Djurgardens IF vs. Chelsea | Conference League | Semi-Finals | 1st Leg | Pre Match
Djurgardens IF vs. Chelsea
Chelsea’s pursuit of Conference League glory takes them to Sweden for a crucial semifinal first leg against Djurgardens IF on Thursday, a match that pits the Premier League giants against a historic underdog in a contest laden with contrasting ambitions. The Blues, under the stewardship of Enzo Maresca, have navigated their way to this stage with a blend of attacking flair and resolute defending, overcoming Polish side Legia Warsaw in the quarter-finals to reach their first European semifinal since their 2020-21 Champions League triumph under Thomas Tuchel. For Djurgarden, this marks an unprecedented milestone, as they become the first Swedish club to reach a European semifinal, fueled by a dramatic extra-time victory over Rapid Vienna. The Tele2 Arena in Stockholm will provide the stage for a clash that juxtaposes Chelsea’s pedigree and depth against Djurgarden’s tenacity and home resilience, with both teams acutely aware that the outcome of this first leg could shape their path to the final. As Chelsea juggle their European aspirations with a fierce battle for Premier League top-five qualification, and Djurgarden dream of becoming the first Swedish side to win a European trophy since Goteborg’s 1987 UEFA Cup success, this encounter promises to deliver intensity, drama, and moments of individual brilliance.
Djurgardens IF have etched their name into Swedish football history with their remarkable Conference League campaign, defying expectations to reach the semifinals for the first time. Their journey began with a strong showing in the league phase, where they amassed 13 points from six matches to finish fifth, setting the stage for a 3-1 aggregate victory over Pafos in the last 16. The quarter-finals tested their mettle, as a 1-0 home defeat to Rapid Vienna left them on the brink of elimination. However, a spirited 2-1 victory in Austria, followed by Tobias Gulliksen’s brace in extra time, secured a historic triumph that kept alive their hopes of emulating Goteborg’s 1987 heroics. Under the guidance of manager Jani Honkavaara, Djurgarden have blended tactical discipline with moments of attacking flair, particularly at home, where they have won six of their eight European matches this season, with only two losses. Their recent form, including a 1-0 league win over Oster on April 24 following a goalless draw against GAIS, suggests a team capable of rising to the occasion. However, injuries to key players such as goalkeeper Malkolm Nilsson Safqvist, midfielder Rasmus Schuller, and forward Patric Aslund, combined with doubts over Oskar Fallenius and Nino Zugelj, threaten to disrupt their rhythm. The potential return of goalkeeper Jacob Rinne, alongside likely starts for Jacob Une Larsson, Hampus Findell, and Tokmac Nguen, offers some hope, but Djurgarden face an uphill battle against a Chelsea side brimming with talent and momentum. Despite their underdog status, the Swedes will draw confidence from their home record and the passionate support of their fans, hoping to spring a surprise in this first leg.
Chelsea, by contrast, approach this match as favorites, buoyed by their dominant performances in the Conference League and a resurgent Premier League campaign. The Blues secured their semifinal berth with a 3-0 first-leg victory over Legia Warsaw in Poland, a result that showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Although a 2-1 home defeat in the return leg marked their first Conference League loss at Stamford Bridge, the aggregate scoreline ensured their progression to a 15th UEFA semifinal, underlining their rich European pedigree. Maresca’s side has been imperious on the road in this competition, winning all five of their away games while scoring 14 goals and conceding just three. This formidable record, combined with their unbeaten streak in four previous European visits to Sweden (two wins, two draws), positions Chelsea as the team to beat. Domestically, the Blues are in fine fettle, sitting just inside the Premier League’s top five on goal difference after back-to-back victories over Fulham (2-1) and Everton (1-0). Late goals from Tyrique George and Pedro Neto against Fulham, followed by Nicolas Jackson’s decisive strike against Everton, extended Chelsea’s unbeaten league run to five matches (three wins, two draws), highlighting their depth and ability to grind out results. With a crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool looming on Sunday, Maresca must balance his squad’s resources, making Thursday’s trip to Sweden a test of his rotation strategy and the squad’s versatility.
Injuries and suspensions pose challenges for Chelsea, with Maresca unable to call upon Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman, and Marc Guiu, while Mykhaylo Mudryk remains sidelined due to a provisional suspension following a positive test for a banned substance. Full-back Malo Gusto’s fitness is uncertain after missing the Everton win, adding to Maresca’s selection dilemmas. However, the depth of Chelsea’s squad allows for significant rotation, with players like Filip Jorgensen, Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrique George in contention for starting roles. This flexibility is a hallmark of Maresca’s approach, as he seeks to maintain freshness while ensuring his side remains competitive across multiple fronts. The Conference League, while not the most prestigious of UEFA’s competitions, represents Chelsea’s only realistic chance of silverware this season, and Maresca will be keen to maintain their momentum in Sweden. The Blues’ attacking options, led by the in-form Jackson and the creative flair of Neto and Sancho, should pose a significant threat to a Djurgarden defense weakened by injuries. Chelsea’s ability to dominate possession and exploit transitions could prove decisive, particularly if Djurgarden’s depleted midfield struggles to contain the likes of Dewsbury-Hall or George.
For Djurgarden, the challenge is to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm and capitalize on any complacency from the Premier League side. Honkavaara’s team will likely adopt a compact, counterattacking approach, relying on the pace of Tokmac Nguen and the goal-scoring instincts of Gulliksen to test Chelsea’s backline. The absence of key players, however, limits their ability to sustain pressure, and they will need a near-flawless performance to secure a positive result. The historical context adds intrigue, as Djurgarden aim to become the first Swedish side to win a European trophy in nearly four decades, while Chelsea seek to add to their illustrious European haul. The Blues’ perfect record against Swedish opposition in European competition, including victories over Malmo and draws with Helsingborg, further tilts the scales in their favor. Yet, Djurgarden’s home form and their knack for defying expectations—as evidenced by their extra-time heroics against Rapid Vienna—suggest they are capable of making life difficult for Chelsea.
As the Tele2 Arena prepares to host this historic semifinal, both teams will be driven by distinct motivations. For Chelsea, a victory would reinforce their status as Conference League frontrunners and provide a psychological boost ahead of their Premier League showdown with Liverpool. For Djurgarden, a competitive performance would cement their place in Swedish football lore and keep their dream of European glory alive. The tactical battle between Maresca’s possession-based system and Honkavaara’s pragmatic approach promises to be a compelling subplot, with individual duels—such as Jackson versus Djurgarden’s makeshift defense or Gulliksen against Chelsea’s rotated backline—potentially deciding the outcome. The first leg’s result will set the tone for the return fixture at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea’s home advantage could prove decisive. For now, all eyes are on Sweden, where a clash of ambition, history, and resilience will unfold, offering fans a spectacle worthy of the Conference League’s growing prestige.
