CHELSEA take a comfortable advantage against Djurgarden back to Stamford Bridge following a rout in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final.
The Blues controlled early exchanges before Jadon Sancho got on the end of a quick move to slide it past the hapless Jacob Rinne in goal with the aid of a deflection.
Chelsea’s dominance would become more substantial as winger Noni Maaduke swept home a finish from yards out following a swift interchange.
In the interval the West Londoners would make three changes, with Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson both getting a run-out.
Jackson would display a fresh pair of wheels and impetus as he pick-pocketed a mistake from the hosts defensive unit to waltz the third in on the hour mark.
Five minutes later, the Senegalese striker would grab his second and his side fourth to extend the rout.
Nonetheless, the hosts commendable effort would result in a goal a few minutes later as Isak Alemayehu Mulugeta headed in from a few yards out.
- Full-time result: Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea
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Enzo’s Reg verdict
Enzo Maresca tried to keep a calm head over new starlet Reggie Walsh.
The Chelsea chief said: “He is young, he looks very good.
“But he needs to continue to work and learn and grow.”
Walsh, 16, has been with the Blues for nine years.
Fans raving over Reggie
Chelsea fans loved 16-year-old Reggie Walsh making his debut.
The smiling midfielder exchanged touching moments with far more senior team-mates – as well as manager Enzo Maresca – as he came on for a cameo in Stockholm.
Viewers enjoyed this heartwarming moment as Enzo Maresca brought on Reggie Walsh in the Conference League semi-finalCredit: Reuters One supporter posted: “Maresca should be praised for bringing in youngsters and taking care of their professional career.”
Others called Walsh “super good” and “great” with a fourth saying: “Good shift.”
However, one fan lamented: “God, I feel old.”
The Blues themselves heralded Walsh’s 88th-minute arrival as a sub by posting: “A proud moment for young Reggie Walsh who comes on for his Chelsea debut!”
Two-goal hero Jackson hails team effort
Two-goal sub Nicolas Jackson says Chelsea should be chuffed with their smooth victory.
Jackson told TNT Sports: “Very good performance.
“The most important thing is that we won. It is one step forward and we hope to reach the final.“
Nicolas Jackson hit Chelsea’s last two goals in a 4-1 winCredit: Getty
Enzo celebrates ‘perfect night’
Chelsea chief Enzo Maresca claims the 4-1 Conference League fist-leg win at Djurgarden couldn’t have gone better.
Maresca told TNT Sports: “It was the perfect night – an important semi-final and it is a good result.”
But he warned: “We need to be focused on the second leg.
“The first 70 minutes was good but then in the last 20 minutes we dropped a little bit.
“But we cannot drop, we cannot relax because otherwise it is complicated.
“We have done a good job but now we need to finish the job at home.”
Credit: Rex Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea – one foot in final
Sub Nicolas Jackson struck twice to put Chelsea one leg away from the Conference League final.
And it should be a Stamford Bridge cruise through next week.
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RESULT: Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea
Efficiency all round for the Blues – with a well-deserved three-goal winning margin.
Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea
90. There’s a rare flare-up as Chelsea react angrily to a foul and a niggle from Tobias Gulliksen – who is booked.
We’ve two minutes of added time
Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea
87. The Blues are finding regular gaps now.
And Maresca brought on 16-year-old debutant Reggie Walsh – for fellow teenager George.
And Walsh almost netted an excellent effort with his first touch.
Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea
82. Djurgarden are doing all they can – creating sparks of pressure.
But there’s a class gap.
Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea
79. Stahl blazed high for Djurgarden.
And neither he nor his team-mates could believe he missed.
But at least the Swedes are fighting.
Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea
It was actually quite embarrassing for Chelsea that Djurgarden scored a goal. They are terrible, writes ANDY DILLON.
The ironic cheers from their fans in celebration told you just what a mismatch this is.
Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea
77. Dewsbury-Hall slotted a low left-wing corner that was half-cleared.
Palmer’s firm sidefoot from the edge of the box was then parried away.
Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea
Predictably the Blues are cruising now.
And with Caicedo an impressive presence in the middle there looks little way back for the Swedes.
74. But then Nguen wriggled through, only to be blocked out near the Blues’ six-yard box.
Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea
Chelsea quickly regained the impetus.
And they are passing the ball around in relaxed style.
72. Sancho is squeezed out down the left after Palmer got in on the action down the middle.
Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea
68. Sub Isak Alemayehu nodded home at the back post – for a surprise and instant reply.
That’s the 18-year-old’s first goal at senior level – with Gulliksen the supplier via a teasing left-wing cross.
And what a reception that goal got!
GOAL! Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea
GOAL! Djurgarden 0-4 Chelsea
Djurgarden are showing plenty of spirit.
But you just sense that Chelsea will have not just one or two, but a few opportunities on the counter-attack.
64. Sure enough, Jackson dispatched a wonderful fourth goal – shifting the ball onto his left foot for a top-corner special just inside the box.
Djurgarden 0-3 Chelsea
Jackson was just chasing a hopeful long ball down the middle.
But as he homed in on the box, the hosts’ keeper and defender dallied, then made the situation worse as they attempted to clear.
Jackson squirmed the ball past them – and was left with a tap-in when the ball broke towards goal.
Technically Palmer was the goal provider – but Djurgarden had most of the responsibility.
GOAL! Djurgarden 0-3 Chelsea
59. Jackson is gifted Chelsea’s third from an incredible mix-up between keeper and defender.
Djurgarden 0-2 Chelsea
57. The pace has dipped a bit now.
But Finndell had a shot blocked away to prevent any hint of danger.
Djurgarden are straight back on the attack, though.
Djurgarden 0-2 Chelsea
So far the Blues look weaker after bringing on four first-choice stars at the break.
But that’s a lot to do with Djurgarden’s raised tempo.
And the Swedes might have to profit from this spell pretty quickly – as Chelsea will surely settle again soon.
Djurgarden 0-2 Chelsea
54. Palmer’s first intervention – but he’s blocked out in the box with the minimum of fuss.
But at least it’s some sort of response from Chelsea.
Djurgarden 0-2 Chelsea
It’s such a different game now.
Djurgarden have decided urgency and pressing are the only tactics.
52. Nguen was denied to spark more pressure
Forgensen then produced a top-quality save.
Djurgarden 0-2 Chelsea
50. Finn margins!
Djurgarden’s corner was eventually taken.
And the ensuing scramble on the edge of the box led to Finndell lashing a low right-footer wide.
Djurgarden 0-2 Chelsea
48. The Swedes have had plenty of possession early in the second period.
And Chelsea sub Chalobah has just conceded a corner.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
