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Chelsea achieved victory in their last Europa Conference League match, beating FC Astana 3-1.
The Blues traveled to Kazakhstan with a weaker team, but still had more than enough to pick up three points.
Marc Guiu scored the first two visiting goals, the first of them in a spectacular individual shot that ended with a lateral shot into the back of the net.
He was at it again five minutes later, tapping in a cross and beating the Astana goalkeeper in the process.
Renato Veiga scored a goal before the break, but Astana also scored to add a touch of tension to the match.
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 began early as Chelsea’s young lineup wasted no time in imposing themselves.
In the 14th minute, 18-year-old Marc Guiu opened the scoring with a brilliant solo shot. Guiu came in from the right wing and beat Marochkin before calmly passing the ball to Seisen for his third European goal this season.
Chelsea doubled their lead just four minutes later.
Pedro Neto, encouraged by the band, sent a low cross into the area after beating Vorogovsky.
Guiu pounced on the ball and forced an own goal from Astana’s Aleksandr Marochkin. Although Guiu was initially credited, the goal underlined Chelsea’s relentless early pressure.
Astana, struggling to find their rhythm, managed occasional forays forward but rarely threatened the Chelsea defence.
Their first-half xG of just 0.08 reflected their difficulty in creating clear-cut chances.
Meanwhile, Chelsea continued to press and reaped the rewards in the 39th minute. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall floated in a precise corner that found an unmarked Renato Veiga, allowing the midfielder to head in for Chelsea’s third goal.
Despite Chelsea’s control, Astana pulled one goal back just before half-time.
I love it guys! #CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/oV8Ci7vdUQ
– Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
Captain Marin Tomasov had a moment of brilliance, beating Veiga on the edge of the box and firing a stunning shot off the left post to make it 3-1. It was a rare highlight for the Kazakh team, whose attacking efforts had been limited.
In the second half, Astana came out with more enthusiasm, boosted by Tomasov’s goal.
They made several dangerous attempts, including a deflected long-range shot by Tomasov that Chelsea goalkeeper Jorgensen had to deflect.
Chelsea introduced fresh legs in the second half, including 18-year-old Ato Ampah, as they looked 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 match progressed.
In the end, Chelsea’s early dominance proved too much for Astana to overcome.
