Chelsea gained the upper hand in their UEFA Conference League last-16 clash with a 2-1 win over Copenhagen in the first leg.
Despite a quiet first half where they failed to trouble the opposing goalkeeper, Enzo Maresca’s team broke the deadlock almost immediately after the interval. Marc Cucurella, brought on to replace the injured Malo Gusto, advanced down the left flank before finding Reece James, who unleashed a precise low-driven shot from 30 yards to put the visitors ahead.
The home side nearly responded within minutes, as Viktor Claesson’s angled effort struck the inside of the post and bounced back into the arms of Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea extended their advantage in the 65th minute through Enzo Fernandez. Cucurella was again involved, winning possession on the left before Christopher Nkunku played in Tyrique George, who delivered a cut-back for the Argentine midfielder to slot home with a composed finish.
Copenhagen managed to pull one back when Gabriel Pereira rose to meet Marcos Lopez’s deep free-kick, heading powerfully past Sanchez to give the Danish side hope. However, Chelsea remain well-placed to reach the quarter-finals ahead of the return fixture at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, 13 March.
Chelsea edge closer to quarter-finals
The Blues, who lifted the Champions League in 2021, are aiming for European silverware once more in the continent’s third-tier tournament. Winning the Conference League would secure their place in next season’s Europa League, although they still have the possibility of qualifying for the Champions League through their domestic campaign.
Maresca’s side dominated the competition’s league phase, winning all six matches with an impressive 26 goals scored and only five conceded. England midfielder Cole Palmer, omitted from that stage to manage his workload, returned for the knockout rounds but is still searching for his first goal in the tournament.
The match also provided an opportunity for young talent, with 17-year-old Shumaira Mheuka becoming Chelsea’s youngest player to start in a major European competition. However, the forward struggled to make an impact and was replaced as part of a triple substitution at half-time, moments before Chelsea took the lead.
Copenhagen, who began their campaign in the second qualifying round last July, have battled through a long journey to the last 16, overcoming the likes of Kilmarnock, Hearts, and Heidenheim along the way. Playing their 15th match of the competition, they were backed by a lively crowd at Parken Stadium but could not capitalize on home advantage.
Palmer’s goal drought continues as Chelsea hold on
The first half saw little goalmouth action, with Copenhagen producing the only shot on target – a low effort from Elias Achouri that Sanchez comfortably dealt with in the opening minutes.
Palmer, who has now gone eight games without scoring, volleyed an effort wide from distance, while George also failed to hit the target with a header in a half that lacked cutting edge.
The tempo improved after the restart, with Chelsea asserting themselves and taking a vital lead into the second leg. A draw at Stamford Bridge will be enough to see them through to the quarter-finals, where they would face either Norwegian side Molde or Poland’s Legia Warsaw.
