Chelsea Set for Betis Showdown in Conference League Final

Chelsea booked their first European final since 2021 with a composed 1-0 victory over Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge, completing a 5-1 aggregate win in the Europa Conference League semi-final.

Coming into the second leg with a comfortable 4-1 lead, Enzo Maresca’s youthful side managed the game with maturity, limiting their Swedish visitors to just 0.52 xG and a handful of half-chances. The first half took time to spark into life, but Chelsea gradually turned up the pressure.

Tyrique George and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were at the heart of Chelsea’s best moments. George had already stung the palms of Jacob Rinne with a sharp angled effort before the decisive moment arrived in the 38th minute. The 19-year-old George turned in midfield and released Dewsbury-Hall with a clever through ball. The former Leicester City man surged forward and fired a superb effort in off the inside of the left post.

Djurgarden had little response, although Kosugi’s speculative long-range strike and a late effort from Stensson forced Chelsea keeper Filip Jorgensen into action.

The second half offered fewer chances, though Chelsea remained in control without needing to move out of second gear. Djurgarden’s spirited travelling fans created a lively backdrop to a largely one-sided affair.

With the result secured, Maresca gave several youngsters valuable minutes from the bench, while the experienced backline marshalled Djurgarden’s front three of Priske, Haarala and Nguen with ease.

Chelsea will now face Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final on 28th May in Wroclaw. Betis edged past Fiorentina 4-3 on aggregate after a dramatic 2-2 draw on the night, with extra-time goals from Antony and Ezzalzouli sealing their passage.