Chelsea have advanced to the league phase of the Europa Conference League, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Swiss side Servette in the second leg of their qualifying play-off. The aggregate score of 3-2 was enough to see Enzo Maresca’s side through, thanks to a strong performance in the first leg at Stamford Bridge and a crucial away goal in Geneva.
First Leg Foundation
The Blues entered the second leg with a solid 2-0 lead from the first leg, where they had dominated possession and capitalized on their opportunities. This cushion allowed Maresca’s men to approach the return fixture with a degree of confidence, knowing that an early goal would all but secure their progression.
The Early Advantage
Chelsea did exactly that, extending their aggregate lead just 14 minutes into the match. The goal came from the penalty spot after Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk was brought down by Servette’s right-back Keigo Tsunemoto. Christopher Nkunku, who has been in fine form since joining Chelsea, stepped up to convert the penalty with composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and giving Chelsea a 3-0 lead on aggregate. This goal seemed to put the tie beyond Servette’s reach, silencing the home crowd at the Stade de Genève.
Servette’s Response to Blues
However, the Swiss side refused to go down without a fight. Just before the half-hour mark, they found a lifeline through Jeremy Guillemenot. The forward latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Dereck Kutesa and fired a first-time shot across Filip Jorgensen into the bottom corner, reducing the deficit and igniting hopes of a comeback. Servette, buoyed by the goal, began to press Chelsea more aggressively, forcing errors and creating several half-chances as the first half drew to a close.
A Nervy Second Half
The second half saw Servette continue their pursuit of an improbable turnaround. Chelsea, who had looked comfortable in the early stages, began to show signs of nervousness under the Swiss side’s pressure. Enzo Maresca made several changes to his lineup, attempting to shore up the midfield and regain control of the match. However, Servette’s substitutions proved more effective.
In the 72nd minute, two of Servette’s substitutes combined to take the lead on the night. Miroslav Stevanovic, who had been a constant threat down the left flank, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Enzo Crivelli, who had been brought on just moments earlier, rose above the Chelsea defenders to power a header past Jorgensen. The goal brought Servette within one strike of leveling the aggregate score and potentially forcing extra time.
Holding On through Match
With the aggregate lead now hanging by a thread, Chelsea found themselves under siege in the final stages of the match. Servette pushed forward relentlessly, throwing everything at the Blues’ defense in search of the crucial third goal. The Chelsea backline, marshaled by captain Thiago Silva, held firm under immense pressure. Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen also played a vital role, making a series of crucial saves to deny Servette’s attempts.
Despite their efforts, Servette could not find the breakthrough they needed. As the final whistle blew, Chelsea breathed a sigh of relief, knowing they had done just enough to secure their place in the Europa Conference League’s league phase.
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