- Chelsea advances to the Europa Conference League despite a 2-1 loss to Servette
- Nicolas Jackson’s goal was ruled out for offside, and Cole Palmer hit the bar in tense final moments
- Chelsea’s squad could still see changes with the transfer window closing soon
Chelsea’s journey into the league phase of the Europa Conference League has been sealed, although it was far from straightforward. Facing Servette in Switzerland, Chelsea went into the second leg with a 2-0 lead from Stamford Bridge.
The match started smoothly for Chelsea when Christopher Nkunku converted a penalty after Mykhailo Mudryk was fouled by Keigo Tsunemoto, extending their aggregate advantage.
The Swiss side, however, fought back. Jeremy Guillemenot’s precise strike, following a well-timed pass from Dereck Kutesa, beat Filip Jorgensen to reduce the deficit.
Servette then took the lead on the night through Enzo Crivelli, who headed in a cross from Miroslav Stevanovic, giving Chelsea a real scare.
Despite the pressure, Chelsea clung to their aggregate lead, eventually securing a 3-2 victory overall, ensuring their progression. Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's coach, had earlier downplayed concerns about complacency, and his team nearly paid for their overconfidence.
Within minutes of the start, Enzo Fernandez came close to increasing Chelsea’s lead, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Joel Mall.
Nkunku’s successful penalty seemed to have put the tie beyond Servette’s reach, but Guillemenot’s goal in the 32nd minute injected new life into the game, making it 1-1 on the night. On a difficult playing surface, Kutesa could have added another for Servette, but the Blues goalie Jorgensen managed to keep him out.
The game was also notable for Noni Madueke’s continued impressive form. Fresh off a hat-trick against Wolves and a first England call-up, he was one of Chelsea’s best players, though he was frustrated by Servette’s defence.
As the match drew to a close, Crivelli’s header gave Servette hope, and Nicolas Jackson had a goal cancelled out for offside. Chelsea survived one final scare when French midfielder Timothe Cognat missed a chance to level the aggregate score, dragging his shot wide.
With the transfer window nearing its end, Chelsea’s squad is under scrutiny both by fans and foes, questioning the large number. Maresca, who has overseen the arrival of 10 new players since Mauricio Pochettino’s exit, faces the challenge of trimming the squad, with high-profile names like Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell potentially on the move after being left out of the squad for this match.
Victor Osimhen’s potential transfer to Chelsea hits roadblock, here’s why
Previously, TheRadar reported that Chelsea’s ambition to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been met with huge resistance as Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, confirmed that the situation around the transfer is "blocked."
Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte had previously highlighted the complications surrounding the deal, and Manna’s recent comments have only validated the notion that Osimhen’s move to Stamford Bridge might not be as straightforward as fans had hoped.
