- Chelsea advanced to the Europa Conference League final after a 1-0 second-leg win over Djurgarden, completing a 5-1 aggregate victory
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal, while 16-year-old Reggie Walsh became the club’s youngest European starter
- Enzo Maresca rested several stars, giving chances to young academy talents in a comfortable win
Key Takeaways:
Chelsea comfortably secured their place in the Europa Conference League final, once again proving their status as one of the tournament’s main favourites. The English side advanced to the final after a 1-0 second-leg victory over Djurgarden, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scoring the only goal in the 39th minute. With a 5-1 aggregate win, the Blues moved on with ease.
Chelsea even managed to rest some of their stars, giving opportunities to young academy talents. Among them was 16-year-old Reggie Walsh, who set a record as the youngest player to start in a European competition for the club. The starting lineup also featured Tyrique George, who impressed with his performance, as well as Josh Acheampong. Later in the match, Shumaira Mheuka and Genesis Antwi also made appearances.
#UECL final pending 🆚 Real Betis. pic.twitter.com/62I96gxAUA
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 8, 2025
Enzo Maresca rested several of his key players and started the match with Tyrique George as the forward, supported by Jadon Sancho, Reggie Walsh, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Reece James and Josh Acheampong formed the midfield duo.
Djurgarden had an early chance to open the scoring in the 2nd minute when Nguyen received the ball in a promising position inside the box, but his shot was extremely poor and did not trouble the goalkeeper. Gradually, however, Chelsea took control, and their pressure paid off in the 39th minute. Tyrique George delivered a through ball to Dewsbury-Hall, who surged forward, dribbled past a defender, and calmly finished for 1-0. That goal remained the difference between both sides at halftime.
The hosts missed a clear chance in the 61st minute when Jadon Sancho’s cross from the right found Tyrique George, who somehow failed to score from close range. However, George had no reason to be too frustrated, as he was in an offside position.
Djurgarden created another opportunity in the 66th minute when Tobias Gulliksen fired a shot that narrowly missed the target. A minute later, Chelsea launched another attack. Tyrique George controlled a pass on the wing, advanced, and set up Dewsbury-Hall near the penalty spot, but his shot lacked power and went wide.
In the end, the match finished with a narrow but fully sufficient victory for Chelsea. The London side advanced to the final in Wroclaw, where they will face Real Betis.