Chelsea took a huge step towards the UEFA Conference League final after a commanding 4-1 win over Swedish side Djurgarden in the first leg of the semi-final on Thursday night.
Chelsea shine in Stockholm with clinical performance
In their debut UEFA Conference League campaign, Chelsea delivered a near-perfect display against an understrength Djurgarden squad, showcasing their quality and depth. First-half goals from Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke gave the Premier League side full control before Nicolas Jackson added two more in the second half.
Sancho opened the scoring in the 12th minute after latching onto a lofted pass and beating the goalkeeper. A deflection off Djurgarden’s Marcus Danielson helped the ball into the net. Chelsea grew into the game and adjusted well to the artificial pitch in Stockholm.
Madueke doubled the lead just before the break with a clever finish inside the near post, leaving the hosts with a mountain to climb.
Jackson at the double as Chelsea stay focused
The second half saw Chelsea continue to dominate. Jackson tapped in a third just before the hour mark after a defensive mix-up and then scored again minutes later with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box.
Djurgarden pulled one back through teenager Isak Alemayehu Mulugeta, who headed in a consolation goal in the 68th minute — his first senior strike. Despite the late goal, Chelsea remained in full control.
Manager Enzo Maresca remained cautious, referencing their previous struggle in the return leg against Legia Warsaw after a 3-0 away win. “It’s a good result, but we need to stay focused for the second leg,” he said.
If Chelsea go through, they will play the final in Wroclaw, Poland on May 28. The club already boasts a rich European history, including two Champions League titles and two Europa Leagues, and could now add the Conference League trophy to their collection.
Betis edge Fiorentina in tight semi-final clash
In the other semi-final, Real Betis defeated Fiorentina 2-1 in Spain. Early goals from Abde Ezzalzouli and Antony gave the hosts control before Luca Ranieri pulled one back for Fiorentina late on. The second legs of both semi-finals are scheduled for next Thursday.
