Chelsea comfortably booked their place in the UEFA Conference League final with a routine 1-0 victory over Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge, completing a 5-1 aggregate triumph. The win marks Chelsea’s fifth consecutive victory in all competitions and sets up a final showdown in Wroc?aw against Real Betis.
Having established a commanding 4-1 lead in the first leg in Sweden, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca opted to rotate his squad, handing a first senior start to 16-year-old Reggie Walsh. Djurgarden, meanwhile, arrived in London on the back of a mixed run of form domestically, needing a significant turnaround to overturn the deficit.
Chelsea dominated possession from the outset, mirroring the pattern of the first leg. However, clear-cut chances were at a premium in the first half. Djurgarden goalkeeper Jacob Rinne was first called into action, saving Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s strike from outside the box. Tyrique George also had an effort parried before Dewsbury-Hall effectively put the tie beyond doubt, firing a shot in off the post to give Chelsea the lead on the night.
For the visitors, Keita Kosugi’s deflected shot forced a save from Filip Jorgensen, but Djurgarden largely struggled to make an impact in the opening period.
After the break, Djurgarden showed more attacking intent and created a few openings. Tobias Gulliksen fired narrowly wide from distance, while Jorgensen tipped Daniel Stensson’s strike over the bar. Ultimately, however, the damage had been done in the first leg, and any goal for the Swedish side would have served only as a consolation.
For Chelsea, the victory represents the minimum expectation as they progress to the Conference League final in Wroc?aw, where they will face Real Betis. With UEFA Champions League qualification also within their grasp domestically, it promises to be a potentially fantastic end to the season for Maresca’s side. Djurgarden, despite the defeat, can reflect on a commendable European campaign as they now turn their focus back to their domestic league.
