Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was delighted with his players who performed in tough conditions in their latest Europa Conference League triumph.
It was a routine win for the Blues in Kazakhstan, beating FC Astana 3-1.
The West Londoners took control early on, scoring twice in five minutes.
Marc Guiu was the scorer of both goals, the first a brilliant solo run and the second a scrappy play over the line.
Renato Vega scored the third goal for Chelsea, putting them in complete control.
Astana pulled one back thanks to a superb effort that hit the post and went in just before half-time.
Enzo Maresca sings the praises of Tyrique George, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Josh Acheampong as @ChelseaFCIts young ones shine at low temperatures 🌟
HaytersTV the ONLY UK Media in Almaty 🇰🇿@ArthurFerridge
See Enzo in full here 👇https://t.co/mznqjjiHcy pic.twitter.com/4fm72uZZ6h
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) December 12, 2024
But that was their only good chance of the half and of the match.
They were thoroughly controlled by the visitors and Maresca was more than happy to heap praise on his young side.
Speaking to HaytersTV after the game, he said: “We knew it was very cold. We tried to adapt and the players did fantastic.
“The conditions, the long flight, the journey and the pitch weren’t ideal, but overall, I’m very happy for the players”
Chelsea fielded a young team with many unknown names.
And the former Leicester boss was only too happy to name them and praise them for getting the job done.
He added: “All of them, all of them, the starters, Tyrique, Sam and Josh, they’ve all done really, really well!
“I’m happy for them. Also those who came in the 2nd half! Happy for them.”
The win keeps Chelsea top of the Conference League standings after five games.
