Chelsea take control of Conference League tie
FC Copenhagen 1 - 2 Chelsea
Chelsea took a significant step towards the Europa Conference League quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Copenhagen in Denmark.
Enzo Maresca’s side were uninspiring in the first half, failing to register a shot on target, but they burst into life immediately after the break.
Marc Cucurella, introduced at half-time for the injured Malo Gusto, made an instant impact by surging down the left and cutting the ball back for captain Reece James, who lashed a superb low drive into the bottom corner from 30 yards out.
Copenhagen came agonisingly close to an equaliser moments later when Viktor Claesson’s angled strike cannoned off the inside of the post and fell kindly into the hands of relieved Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
The Blues made their hosts pay for that missed opportunity in the 65th minute. Cucurella, once again influential, won possession high up the pitch before Christopher Nkunku played in Tyrique George. The youngster delivered a precise cut-back, allowing substitute Enzo Fernandez to side-foot home from close range.
The Danish side did manage to claw one back when Gabriel Pereira powered home a header from Marcos Lopez’s deep free-kick, setting up a nervy finish.
However, Chelsea held firm to claim an important first-leg win, leaving them in a strong position to book their place in the last eight.
The Conference League is a priority for Chelsea
They won the Champions League in 2021 and have a great chance of more continental success in Europe's third-tier tournament. Winning this tournament would guarantee them a place in next season's Europa League at least. They could still qualify for the Champions League via their league position. There's still a lot to play for despite a difficult few games.
They breezed through the league phase of the competition, winning all six matches while netting 26 goals and conceding just five. They achieved this without the services of England midfielder Cole Palmer, who was rested throughout that stage to manage his workload.
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UEFA Europa League and Conference League: 24/25
Palmer, now enduring an eight-game goal drought, volleyed wide from 22 yards, while a George header also missed the target. These were the only real chances Chelsea mustered in a subdued first half.
The game sprang to life after the break, with a much-improved performance from the visitors. With a narrow lead secured, Chelsea now require only a draw in next week’s second leg at Stamford Bridge to seal their place in the quarter-finals.
