Match report: Chelsea 1-0 Djurgarden (5-1 on aggregate)
Chelsea vs Djurgarden
Chelsea secured their place in the UEFA Conference League final with a composed and professional 1-0 victory over Swedish side Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge, a result that keeps alive their ambition to complete a historic clean sweep of European trophies. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s solitary goal, a coolly executed strike just before halftime, proved to be the difference in a match that showcased both Chelsea’s depth and the burgeoning talent within their academy ranks. Under the stewardship of Enzo Maresca, the Blues delivered a performance that was as controlled as it was dominant, rarely allowing Djurgarden to threaten while creating numerous opportunities to extend their lead. The victory was particularly notable for the contributions of Chelsea’s young prospects, with 16-year-old Reggie Walsh making an assured full debut and Tyrique George playing a pivotal role in the decisive goal. As Chelsea prepare to face their yet-to-be-determined opponents in the final later this month, the triumph over Djurgarden serves as a testament to Maresca’s ability to blend youth and experience, while offering a tantalizing glimpse of a future where the club’s academy graduates could define their European campaigns. With a crucial Premier League clash against Newcastle looming, Maresca’s strategic squad rotation ensured that his key players remained fresh, while those given a chance to shine seized the opportunity to stake their claim for more regular roles.
The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge was electric on a crisp evening, as Chelsea fans gathered to witness their team’s quest for a place in the Conference League final. Maresca, acutely aware of the need to manage his squad’s workload with a demanding domestic schedule, made wholesale changes to his starting lineup, introducing no fewer than ten alterations from the side that had last taken to the field. The most eye-catching selection was that of Reggie Walsh, a 16-year-old academy prodigy who was handed his first senior start in an advanced midfield role. Walsh’s inclusion was a bold statement of intent from Maresca, signaling his trust in the club’s youth system and his willingness to blood youngsters in high-stakes matches. The lineup itself was fluid and unconventional, with Marc Cucurella deployed in central midfield alongside captain Reece James, Malo Gusto operating as an advanced right-back, and Josh Acheampong anchoring the left flank. Up top, Tyrique George led the line, supported by the dynamic Jadon Sancho on the left and Dewsbury-Hall on the right. This experimental XI reflected Maresca’s confidence in his squad’s versatility and depth, as well as his determination to keep his players fresh for the challenges ahead. From the outset, Chelsea asserted their authority, dominating possession and dictating the tempo against a Djurgarden side that struggled to cope with the Blues’ intensity and technical quality.
Chelsea’s early dominance was epitomized by the performance of Walsh, who belied his tender age with a display of remarkable composure and tenacity. The teenager was heavily involved in the opening exchanges, seeing plenty of the ball and demonstrating an ability to knit play together with precise passing and intelligent movement. His confidence was evident when he won a free-kick in a dangerous position, which Tosin Adarabioyo headed goalwards only to be denied by Djurgarden goalkeeper Jacob Rinne. On the flanks, Sancho and George provided constant threats, stretching the visitors’ defense with their pace and directness. Sancho, in particular, was a regular outlet on the left, using his quick feet to create space and deliver dangerous crosses. Meanwhile, Dewsbury-Hall and George worked tirelessly on the right, their relentless pressing and interplay causing havoc for Djurgarden’s backline. One such foray down the right flank saw George’s shot blocked, with Dewsbury-Hall pouncing on the loose ball to force an awkward save from Rinne. The pressure continued to mount, and moments later, George came close again, his effort from a narrow angle thwarted by Rinne’s outstretched foot after a clever pass from Sancho. These moments underscored Chelsea’s control, as they probed patiently for an opening while maintaining a defensive solidity that limited Djurgarden to speculative efforts.
The breakthrough arrived seven minutes before halftime, a moment that encapsulated Chelsea’s attacking fluency and clinical edge. Tosin played a incisive pass through the lines to George, who showcased his skill with a deft turn that left his marker trailing. Spotting Dewsbury-Hall’s well-timed run, George threaded a precise pass into his path, allowing the midfielder to cut inside and stroke a composed finish into the Shed End, the ball kissing the inside of the post before nestling in the net. The goal, Dewsbury-Hall’s fourth in the Conference League this season, was a fitting reward for Chelsea’s dominance and sent Stamford Bridge into raptures. It also highlighted the growing chemistry between George and Dewsbury-Hall, two players who have become integral to Chelsea’s European campaign. The scoreline now accurately reflected the balance of play, with Djurgarden offering little in response beyond a deflected strike from Keita Kosugi, which Filip Jorgensen dealt with comfortably. As the teams headed into the break, Chelsea’s players exuded confidence, knowing that their first-half performance had laid the foundation for a place in the final. For Maresca, the opening 45 minutes were a vindication of his bold selection choices and tactical approach, as his rotated squad executed his game plan to perfection.
The second half saw Maresca introduce Shimmy Mheuka in place of Cucurella, prompting a reshuffle that saw Dewsbury-Hall drop into a deeper midfield role, George shift to the left wing, and Sancho move to the right. The changes did little to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm, as they continued to press for a second goal that would put the tie beyond doubt. Dewsbury-Hall, brimming with confidence after his first-half strike, came close to doubling his tally when he headed a Gusto cross straight at Rinne. At the other end, Jorgensen was called into action to make a superb save from Miro Tenho’s close-range header, although the offside flag would have nullified the effort regardless. The moment served as a rare reminder of Djurgarden’s potential threat, but Chelsea’s defensive organization ensured that such opportunities were few and far between. The likes of Acheampong and Genesis Antwi, who also saw minutes off the bench, acquitted themselves well, contributing to a backline that remained resolute in the face of Djurgarden’s increasingly desperate attempts to claw their way back into the match. As the game progressed, Chelsea’s youngsters continued to impress, with Mheuka and Antwi injecting energy and enthusiasm into the Blues’ play.
While Chelsea were unable to add to their tally in the second half, the 1-0 victory was never in serious doubt, as Djurgarden lacked the quality and invention to mount a meaningful comeback. Maresca’s side managed the game expertly, balancing their attacking ambition with a pragmatic approach that ensured Jorgensen’s goal remained unbreached. The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes at Stamford Bridge, as players and fans celebrated a hard-earned triumph that secured Chelsea’s place in the Conference League final. For Maresca, the victory was a testament to his squad’s depth and adaptability, as well as his ability to nurture young talent while maintaining a winning mentality. The performances of Walsh, George, Acheampong, Mheuka, and Antwi offered a glimpse of Chelsea’s bright future, while the contributions of more established players like Dewsbury-Hall and Sancho underscored the balance within the squad. As Chelsea look ahead to the final, they do so with the confidence of a team that has grown accustomed to success in Europe, having previously won the Champions League, Europa League, and now standing on the cusp of a Conference League triumph.
The final, set to take place later this month, represents an opportunity for Chelsea to etch their name into the history books as the first English club to win all three major European competitions. For Maresca, who has quickly established himself as a shrewd and forward-thinking manager, the chance to deliver silverware in his first season at the helm is a tantalizing prospect. The Italian’s ability to manage a congested fixture list while giving opportunities to academy graduates has won him plaudits, and a victory in the final would further solidify his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest coaching talents. As Chelsea prepare for their upcoming Premier League clash with Newcastle, Maresca will be keen to maintain the momentum generated by this European success. For the fans, the prospect of another trophy to add to the Stamford Bridge cabinet is a source of immense pride, and the performances of their young stars suggest that this could be the start of a new golden era for the club. On a beautiful evening at the Bridge, Chelsea took a significant step toward European glory, and the journey to the final promises to be a defining moment in their season.
