Sports

Chelsea Advance To Europa Conference League After 2-1 Defeat To Servette

Chelsea advanced to the league phase of the Europa Conference League despite a narrow loss to Servette in the second leg of their qualifying play-off in Switzerland.

Enzo Maresca’s side held a 2-0 lead from the first leg at Stamford Bridge and extended their advantage early on, with Christopher Nkunku converting a penalty in the 14th minute after Mykhailo Mudryk was fouled by Keigo Tsunemoto.

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Servette responded when Jeremy Guillemenot latched onto a pass from Dereck Kutesa and fired across Filip Jorgensen to pull one back.

The Swiss side then took the lead on the night through Enzo Crivelli, who headed in Miroslav Stevanovic’s cross. However, they were unable to find the crucial third goal that would have forced extra time, allowing Chelsea to hold on for a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Ahead of the match, Maresca dismissed concerns about complacency despite Chelsea’s two-goal cushion. Enzo Fernandez nearly added to Chelsea’s lead early on with a powerful 25-yard strike, but it was tipped over by Servette goalkeeper Joel Mall.

Nkunku’s penalty seemed to put the tie beyond reach, but Guillemenot’s goal in the 32nd minute gave Servette hope.

On a challenging pitch, Kutesa had a chance to score again for the hosts, but his effort from a tight angle was saved by Jorgensen.

Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, who was called up to the England squad for the first time earlier in the day after his hat-trick in the 6-2 win over Wolves, had a strong chance early in the second half but was thwarted by solid defending.

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Crivelli’s header set up a tense finish, with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson having a goal disallowed for offside and Cole Palmer hitting the crossbar.

In the final moments of added time, Servette came close to leveling the aggregate score, but Timothe Cognat dragged his shot wide, allowing Chelsea to progress.

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Dennis

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