Chelsea all but sealed their place in the UEFA Conference League final with a resounding 4-1 win at Djurgårdens. Goals from Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson (2), and an early strike from Sancho gave the Blues a three-goal lead heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
First half – The Blues control the match from the start
After suffering their first defeat in the competition in the second leg of the previous round, Chelsea were determined to reassert their dominance in Sweden and started strongly despite a reshuffled squad. The opening goal came after 15 minutes, with Jadon Sancho’s shot deflected off Marcus Danielsson, giving the visitors a deserved lead.
Noni Madueke was a constant threat and almost doubled the lead, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Jacob Rinne. He did, however, find the net just before the break with a close-range shot following a well-executed move. Djurgårdens rarely threatened in the first 45 minutes, although Tokmac Nguen forced Filip Jörgensen into saving a deflected shot.
Second half – Jackson’s quickfire brace puts the game to bed
The home side started the second half well thanks to goals from August Priske and Adam Stahl, but Chelsea’s superiority quickly became evident. Coming on at halftime, Nicolas Jackson immediately made a strong impression. He first took advantage of a defensive mix-up between Stahl and Rinne to score into an empty net, then added his second with a powerful shot into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Djurgårdens did, however, manage a consolation goal through a header from substitute Isak Alemayehu at the far post, and showed commendable spirit by pushing further forward. However, Chelsea held their nerve and won the rest of the game comfortably.
What this means
Chelsea now lead 4-1 at Stamford Bridge, securing a place in the UEFA Champions League final. Maresca’s side remains on course to become the first club to win all of UEFA’s major club competitions. Djurgårdens, meanwhile, would need a miracle to turn things around in the second leg.
Key statistics
- Chelsea are unbeaten in all their matches against Swedish opponents in European competition.
- Nicolas Jackson’s brace brings his tally to 13 in all competitions this season.
- Djurgårdens have conceded four goals in a European home game for the first time since 1998.
- The Blues have lost just one of their last 15 European away games.
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