Match report and talking points as the Blues secure their place in the last 16 of the Conference League

Chelsea secured their place in the last 16 of the Europa Conference League on Thursday by beating Astana 3-1 in Kazakhstan.

The Blues have had no problems adapting after the long journey, as Marc Guiu’s double gave them an unassailable lead in the first 20 minutes. Renato Veiga then added a third from a corner before Marin Tomasov’s brilliant effort pulled one back for the home side.

There was little drama in a fairly tame second half as both Astana and Chelsea wasted promising openings in the final third, but the Blues cared little as they secured an important win in difficult conditions.

How the game developed

Chelsea they made the eight-hour trip to Kazakhstan with a youth squad and were tested by icy conditions that regularly dipped below -10 degrees in Almaty, the city where Astana currently play their home games in due to the renovations of its usual. stadium

Despite the cold, Chelsea got off to a flying start when Guiu put the visitors ahead in the 14th minute. The youngster collected the ball on the right and raced into the penalty area before hitting a powerful run with a smart near post finish.

Chelsea didn’t have to wait long for the second either. On this occasion Pedro Neto was the man who burst down the right wing and the Portuguese forward sent a cross into the six-yard box that Guiu beat on his way past Astana goalkeeper Mukhammejan Seisen. The 18-year-old knew little about the second of the meeting, but had dazzled in the early stages.

The Premier League The giants could have added a third before the break when Veiga headed home from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s spot-kick, but Astana managed to reduce the deficit just five minutes later when Tomasov beat Filip Jorgensen with an excellent slow end

Having beaten the Chelsea goal with a fine finish, Tomasov tried his luck again after the restart. A long-range effort forced Jorgensen to react with a strong palm as Astana upped the ante.

Tyrique George almost got his first goal for Chelsea just before the hour mark. After a deflected effort from Carney Chukwuemeka, the winger took aim at goal himself but saw his shot deflected off the line by a covering defender.

Chelsea continued to press the Astana goal in the final half-hour as their academy products looked to get in on the action, but the Blues lacked some finesse at key moments as the game it ended

A comfortable win sees Chelsea aim to maintain their perfect league stage record when they host Shamrock Rovers next Thursday.

Check out Astana 1-3 Chelsea player ratings here.

There was little doubt that Chelsea would go straight into the last 16 of the Europa Conference League at the start of the campaign and it has happened. The Blues have been one or two above their opposition in all five outings in the league stage and they got the job done on Thursday.

While a win over Astana is nothing to write home about, it ensured Chelsea will avoid the Europa League play-offs. This could be a huge advantage for the Blues as they chase the Premier League title.

Chelsea should feel the benefit of their own Europa League Conference dominate the new year as his incredibly deep squad earns even more time off.

Chelsea traveled lightly to Kazakhstan. Their bench was made up entirely of academy players, many of whom had never made a senior appearance before, while teenagers George, Josh Acheampong, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Guiu all started.

Although there were a number of seasoned professionals on hand to guide the young guns during the contest, Chelsea’s youngsters took no time to adapt to the tough conditions.

Guiu particularly shone as he bullied Astana’s centre-backs and walked away with a brace, while Rak-Sakyi showed immense composure in possession. George, one of Chelsea’s most highly-rated academy stars, offered glimpses of his speed and wit on the left wing as he regularly looked to open his account.

Those who came off the bench, including Ato Ampah and Harvey Vale, also brought energy and intensity as Chelsea cruised to victory, with a host of youngsters enjoying memorable evenings and debuts.

Chelsea have struggled at right-back this following season injuries to Reece James and Malo Gusto, providing a perfect opportunity for the club’s academy to shine. However, Josh Acheampong, one of Cobham’s brightest stars, had been in exile for most of the season following a contractual clash with the Blues.

Despite having more than 18 months left on his current contract, Acheampong has been ostracized in West Londonlosing opportunities to develop with the academy or in exciting Europa Conference League matches. But a recent return to training paved the way for the talented right-back to start in Kazakhstan as Maresca made the changes.

Acheampong wasn’t called upon regularly from a defensive point of view, but it’s worth noting that most of Astana’s most promising moments came at the other end. It was a comfortable return for the 18-year-old, who was stern in the challenge and energetic down the wing.

Understandably, the youngsters in Chelsea’s ranks grabbed most of the attention, but Dewsbury-Hall was the calming presence that made it easy for them. The 26-year-old showed the maturity required in a youth midfielder, leading by example in the engine room.

The former Leicester City midfielder will be frustrated by his absence Premier League minutes this term, but has always performed well when called upon in Europe. Never angry or seeming disinterested, Maresca can always be trusted box-to-boxer.

Dewsbury-Hall created four chances as they looked to pull the strings in Almaty, picking up an assist with a perfect cross for Vega before the break. He also made six tackles and two interceptions when Chelsea conceded possession.

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