Chelsea confirmed their place in the UEFA Conference League final after easing past Swedish outfit Djurgarden with a 5-1 scoreline across both legs.
The second leg at Stamford Bridge ended 1-0, wrapping up a commanding semi-final performance.
Heavy Rotation, Same Dominance
Manager Enzo Maresca fielded a significantly rotated side, making ten changes from the team that beat Liverpool in the Premier League. The most notable inclusion was 16-year-old Reggie Walsh, handed his first-ever senior appearance — but Chelsea still controlled the game with ease.
Dewsbury-Hall Seals It with First-Half Strike
The only goal on the night came in the first half, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner after a smart assist from Tyrique George. It was a composed finish that ended any faint hopes of a Djurgarden comeback.
Young Talent Shine in Europe
As the match progressed, Maresca gave minutes to more rising stars, bringing on 17-year-olds Shim Mheuka and Genesis Antwi, showcasing the depth and potential of Chelsea’s youth academy. The duo handled the pressure well, further energizing fans.
Real Betis Await in a Historic Clash
Chelsea’s next stop is Wroclaw, Poland, where they will battle Real Betis in the final on May 28. Betis reached the final after edging Fiorentina 4-3 in a dramatic semi-final that went into extra time. The final promises to be a heated affair.
Big Night for Maresca and Chelsea’s New Era
This will mark Chelsea’s eighth European final, and the first since their 2021 Champions League triumph. For Maresca, it’s more than just a shot at silverware — it could be his first major trophy as manager and the first for the club in the post-Abramovich era.
