Chelsea claimed victory in their last Europa Conference League game, defeating FC Astana 3-1.
The Blues traveled with a weaker squad to Kazakhstan, but still had more than enough to pick up three points.
Marc Guiu took the visitors’ first two goals, the first a spectacular solo effort that ended with him sideways in the back of the net.
He was back at it five minutes later, getting a touch to a cross and beating the Astana keeper in the process.
Renato Veiga grabbed a goal before half-time, but Astana also pulled one back to add a touch of tension to the game.
However, the result was never in doubt as Chelsea closed out the second half.
Victory in Kazakhstan! 👊🔵#CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/Xz5iygkm7v
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
how it happened
The action started early as Chelsea’s youthful line-up wasted no time in asserting themselves.
In the 14th minute, 18-year-old Marc Guiu opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort. Coming in from the right flank, Guiu slipped past Marochkin before calmly slotting the ball past Seisen for his third European goal of the season.
Chelsea doubled their lead just four minutes later.
Pedro Neto, cheered on by the side, sent a low cross into the box after beating Vorogovsky.
Guiu pounced on the ball, forcing an own goal from Astana’s Aleksandr Marochkin. Although initially attributed to Guiu, the strike underlined Chelsea’s relentless pressure in the early stages.
Astana, struggling to find their rhythm, managed occasional forays forward but rarely threatened Chelsea’s defence.
His first-half xG of just 0.08 reflected his difficulty creating clear-cut chances.
Meanwhile, Chelsea continued to pile on the pressure and reaped the rewards in the 39th minute. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall floated in a pinpoint corner that found Renato Veiga unmarked, allowing the midfielder to head home for Chelsea’s third goal .
Despite Chelsea’s control, Astana got a goal just before the break.
I love them guys! #CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/oV8Ci7vdUQ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
Captain Marin Tomasov provided a moment of brilliance, beating Vega on the edge of the box and curling a stunning shot in off the left post to make it 3-1. It was a rare feat for the Kazakh side, whose attacking efforts had been limited.
In the second half, Astana came out with more intent, spurred on by Tomasov’s goal.
They had a number of dangerous efforts, including a long-range effort from Tomasov that Chelsea keeper Jorgensen had to save.
Chelsea introduced new legs in the second half, including 18-year-old Ato Ampah, as they tried to manage the game and maintain their lead.
Carney Chukwuemeka and Harvey Vale provided energy in midfield, but clear-cut chances were few and far between as the game wore on.
Ultimately, Chelsea’s early dominance proved too much for Astana to overcome.
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2024-12-12 17:35:28
