Chelsea secured victory in their final Europa Conference League match, beating FC Astana 3-1.
The Blues traveled with a weaker team to Kazakhstan but still had more than enough to take three points.
Marc Guiu scored the first two goals for the visitors, the first a spectacular solo effort which he side-footed into the back of the net.
He was at it again five minutes later, latching onto a cross and beating the Astana keeper in the process.
Renato Vega grabbed an own goal before half-time, but Astana also pulled one back to add a touch of tension to the match.
However, the result was never in doubt as Chelsea closed out the second half.
Victory in Kazakhstan! 👊🔵#CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/Xz5iygkm7v
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
How did it happen?
The action started early as Chelsea’s young squad wasted no time asserting themselves.
In the 14th minute, 18-year-old Mark Guiu opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort. Driving down the right, Guiu slipped past Marochkin before calmly slotting the ball past Seisen for his third European goal of the season.
Chelsea doubled their advantage just four minutes later.
Pedro Neto, lively on the wings, delivered a low cross into the box after beating Vorogovski.
Guiu pounced on the ball, forcing an own goal from Astana’s Aleksandr Marochkin. Although initially credited to Guiu, the strike highlighted Chelsea’s relentless pressure in the early stages.
Struggling to find their rhythm, Astana did occasionally succeed offensively but rarely threatened Chelsea’s defence.
A first half xG of just 0.08 reflected their difficulty in creating clear chances.
Meanwhile, Chelsea continued to pile on the pressure and reaped the rewards in the 39th minute. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall headed in a precise corner that found Renato Veiga unmarked, allowing the midfielder to head home Chelsea’s third goal.
Despite Chelsea’s control, Astana pulled a goal back just before half-time.
Love it guys! #CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/oV8Ci7vdUQ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
Captain Marin Tomasov produced a moment of brilliance, slotting past Veiga on the edge of the box and curling a stunning shot off the left post to make it 3-1. It was a rare highlight for the Kazakhstan side, whose attacking efforts were otherwise limited.
The second half saw Astana appear with more intent, spurred on by Tomasov’s goal.
They managed several dangerous efforts, including a long-range strike from Tomasov that Chelsea goalkeeper Jorgensen had to clear.
Chelsea introduced fresh legs in the second half, including 18-year-old Ato Ampah, as they looked to manage the game and maintain their lead.
Carney Chukwuemeka and Harvey Vale energized the midfield but clear-cut chances were few and far between as the match wore on.
In the end, Chelsea’s early dominance proved too much for Astana to overcome.
