REGGIE WALSH, 16, SWAPS GCSES FOR CHELSEA HISTORY ON SPECIAL NIGHT
Chelsea 1 Djurgarden 0 (agg: 5-1)
So much has changed at Chelsea in recent years but one aspect of this club remains constant: every year, their academy churns out yet more gifted young footballers. The production line at Cobham remains relentlessly efficient, irrespective of everything else that has gone on since the switch of the club’s ownership.
For Enzo Maresca, the Uefa Conference League has provided an opportunity to deploy these fledglings in a competitive setting. In this cruise of a semi-final second leg against mid-ranking Swedish side Djurgarden, there were starting opportunities for three academy lads: Tyrique George, Josh Acheampong and Reggie Walsh.
Of those three, it was the inclusion of Walsh that was the most eye-catching. Indeed, if all goes well for the 16-year-old in the coming years, this night could ultimately be remembered more for being the occasion of his first Chelsea start than for the actual scoreline, which was entirely predictable. Leading 4-1 from the first leg, Maresca’s side ensured passage to the final with a straightforward 1-0 win.
Chelsea have hardly left first gear in Uefa’s third-tier competition, although they will at last face a challenging opponent in the final in Wroclaw. Real Betis, led by Maresca’s coaching mentor Manuel Pellegrini, now stand between Chelsea and their goal of becoming the first team to win all of Uefa’s major competitions.
One can only assume that Walsh will not be starting that final, although the teenager (who is currently doing his GCSEs) is evidently a player of enormous promise. The midfielder grew up near Stamford Bridge and joined the club at seven. His substitute appearance in Stockholm last week made him the third-youngest player in Chelsea’s history, and the youngest since 1967.
“I love Reggie,” said Maresca. “In my system he is perfect. You can see how he was asking for the ball. Tomorrow he has to go to school… For sure, he is a good player.”
Maresca likes Walsh’s personality — by all accounts, he is not shy in training — and you could quickly see that he is a player of significant technical quality. His performance here was full of tidy passes and probing runs off the ball. “I didn’t realise how good he actually was,” said Reece James.
It was George, another teenage talent, who opened up the Djurgarden defence for the goal. Dropping into midfield from his starting position as a striker, he played a measured pass to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who finished impressively.
The four-goal aggregate deficit did little to discourage the travelling supporters, who made sure to enjoy every moment of what was one of their biggest ever matches. Groups of Djurgarden fans could be seen all over Stamford Bridge, causing home supporters to be relocated by stewards.
Such is Chelsea’s superiority on the pitch, the second half felt more like a pre-season friendly than a semi-final. The conclusion was inevitable, and the final whistle confirmed that Chelsea are into the final they were always expected to reach. The first real test of their European campaign now awaits them.
10:39 PM BST
Thanks for joining us
That brings our coverage of this Conference League semi-final to an end. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s goal earned Chelsea a 1-0 win on the night as they cruised past Djurgarden 5-1 on aggregate to reach another European final. Thank you for joining us!
10:37 PM BST
‘Almost a second team’ - Maresca on minutes given to youth
Speaking to TNT Sports, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said: “Very happy, the first step is done the job is done tonight. Now we have almost 20 days to prepare for the final and hopefully we can win this trophy.
On his side’s performance, he said: “Overall I think it was a good performance, many young players. Its almost a second team. I’m very happy for the young boys and very happy to reach the final.”
On Reggie Walsh, he said: “How good is he? You can see he’s a good player. He’s that kind of player we like, he understands how to move. For sure he is very young, he has many things to improve, now its important for him to continue studying and to grow.
10:32 PM BST
Acheampong on favoured position
Speaking to TNT Sports about how enjoyable the Conference League has been, Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong said: “It’s been really enjoyable, a chance to play at Stamford Bridge and away so it’s been good.”
On which position he enjoys playing the most, he said: “I’m not sure at the moment, I don’t really mind where I play as long as I can be on the pitch.”
10:28 PM BST
‘We expect to win the competition’ - James on Chelsea’s chances
Speaking to TNT Sports, Chelsea captain Reece James said: “We’re happy, we’re in another final but its something we probably expected coming into the game, we expect to win the competition as well.
On staying fit and playing in midfield, he said: “I enjoy it, I’ve spent a lot of time on the sidelines. This is probably my longest spell being healthy in probably two or three seasons.
“I’m happy to be playing on a regular basis and helping the team where I can.”
10:20 PM BST
Walsh makes history
At 16 years, and 200 days old, Reggie Walsh became Chelsea’s youngest ever European starter tonight.
10:16 PM BST
Real Betis take the lead
Abde Ezzalzouli has slammed home from Antony’s cross in the seventh minute of extra-time to give Real Betis a 4-3 lead over Fiorentina on aggregate.
10:13 PM BST
WATCH: Djurgarden’s incredible travelling support
10:09 PM BST
‘It would mean everything’ - Dewsbury-Hall on Conference League glory
Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall speaking to TNT Sports: “Amazing to be in the final. We set our sights at the start of the season to get as far as we can in this tournament and it has been a long couple of months but one more game to go and and hopefully we can lift that trophy.”
On his goal: “They play with a low block but thankfully I saw a bit of space, Tyrique [George] played me through with a lovely ball, I showed a little bit of composure and it was nice to get the goal.”
On what it would mean to him to win a European trophy: “It would mean everything. A lot of people would have said we should this at the start of the season but I think if we do, we deserve a lot of credit. I know what football is like, it’s not easy. If we do win it, which I hope we can, the players and staff deserve a lot of credit. We have had pressure from the first match day, we have been professional and dedicated and now we have one more game.”
On five academy players being on the pitch today and the role he plays in helping them: “I’m just here to try and guide the young players. Reggie Yates is 16 and he was fantastic, composed. My job is just to tell them to play the game that got them there. You saw that with the players that played, very composed, very calm. That’s a credit to the academy.”composure and it was
10:04 PM BST
The difference-maker this evening
10:01 PM BST
When is the final?
The Conference League final will take place on 28 May in Wroclaw, Poland. Chelsea are yet to know their opponents though with Real Betis and Fiorentina going to extra-time.
09:58 PM BST
United and Spurs reach Europa League final
Elsewhere in European competition, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have both qualified for the Europa League final with both clubs clinching respective victories tonight and on aggregate in their semi-final ties.
It means there will be six Premier League clubs in the Champions League next season with the top five in the league, as well as the winner of the Europa League final.
09:56 PM BST
Maresca giving youth a chance
There were five academy players who were given minutes tonight for Chelsea, including 16-year-old Reggie Walsh, who was making his first senior start for the club.
09:53 PM BST
The other semi-final
It remains all square in the closing stages between Fiorentina and Real Betis in this evening’s other semi-final.
The Italian side lead 2-1 on the night but it’s 3-3 on aggregate and extra-time looms.
09:50 PM BST
Full time: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
That is the final meaningful action of this one and Chelsea are safely through into the final of the Conference League with a 1-0 win on the night and a 5-1 win on aggregate.
09:49 PM BST
90+2 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
There will be just the two minutes of added time at the end here. There hasn’t been a great deal of action in this second period.
Having said that, Gusto goes on a remarkable run from the edge of his own box into the the left of the Djurgarden box. He looks to rifle one into the roof of the net at the near post but Rinne tips over before the corner comes to nothing.
09:46 PM BST
88 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
The final substitutions for Djurgarden now as Atlee and Selfven come on for the closing stages in place of Gulliksen and Finndell.
George has just pulled off the ‘Neymar touch’, bringing down a diagonal pass with his right foot flicked behind his left leg. Full of confidence.
09:41 PM BST
85 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Chelsea win a corner down their right and after it was initially cleared, Danielson does superbly to clear Chalobah’s cross and deny Mheuka a close-range finish.
The ball lands with Walsh on the edge of the area but his effort sails over.
09:40 PM BST
82 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
It remains 3-3 on aggregate between Real Betis and Fiorentina in the other semi-final so Chelsea are no closer to knowing their opponent for the final.
Djurgarden look dangerous as Gulliksen picks the ball up in the left of the box but after shifting the ball onto his left foot, he lashes well wide of the target.
Another change for the visitors as Persson replaces Stensson.
09:34 PM BST
78 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Antwi beats his man superbly down Chelsea’s right with a deft nutmeg before picking out Acheampong on the edge of the box. The defender’s first touch is a bit loose though meaning he is stretching as he takes aim and his effort sails over.
09:33 PM BST
75 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
It’s Gusto and Acheampong’s turn to move into that deep-lying midfield role now with Antwi operating from the right and Chalobah slotting in to make a back three.
The home side have been impressive in how they’ve tweaked their system and adjusted well based on the personnel on the pitch.
09:29 PM BST
72 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Some more changes now from Chelsea as Sancho and James are withdrawn by Maresca in place of Antwi and Chalobah. Another youngster being given a chance by the Italian.
Djurgarden come forward once again and Kosugi cuts inside but his effort is blocked by the sliding Gusto. The ball lands at the feet of Stenssen though and his fierce effort is tipped over the bar by Jorgensen.
09:26 PM BST
68 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Despite being 5-1 down on aggregate, the visiting fans are in superb voice on what is a huge occasion for them, regardless of the scoreline.
Oh it should be two! James pings a diagonal out to George on the left and he takes a sensational first touch to get past Kosugi. The youngster pulls the ball back to Dewsbury-Hall but he scuffs his sweeping effort wide of the right post.
09:23 PM BST
66 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
A couple of changes coming now from the visitors as Danielson and Alemayehu come on for Une Larsson and Haarala.
Gulliksen is found on the edge of the box, just to the right of centre, and he looks to drive one into the bottom left corner but it whistles just past the post.
09:20 PM BST
63 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
How’s that not gone in? Sancho is picked out on the right and he drives into the right of the area before delivering a ball across the face of goal.
It’s right on the head of George who somehow heads wide of the right post from a metre out. The flag spares the youngster’s blushes slightly.
He looks to be in some pain though having collided with a Djurgarden defender following the header.
09:18 PM BST
62 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Djurgarden have given it a good go in this second half but a lack of quality in the final third is somewhat limiting their chances of coming back into this game. It’s not a tie with much jeopardy. It wasn’t in the first leg, either, to be honest.
09:18 PM BST
61 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
George cuts inside from the left and sits Kosugi down as he chops back onto his left foot but he rifles an effort over the bar. Wonderful skill, though, from the youngster.
09:14 PM BST
58 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Stensson’s corner is half-cleared but the ball is delivered back into the area and Jorgensen is forced into action as he turns Tenho’s header away from the bottom left corner.
A great stop from the Chelsea keeper but the flag was up.
09:13 PM BST
55 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Sancho feeds Gusto into the right channel and his first-time cross picks out Desbury-Hall but his header is straight into the arms of Rinne.
Djurgarden pinch it up high once again and Gulliksen takes aim from range but his low effort deflects wide of the left post.
09:09 PM BST
53 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Djurgarden win the ball high up the pitch and Nguen is picked out on the edge of the box but his low drive is blocked by Tosin.
Acheampong goes on a mazy run to bring the ball out from the back before getting tripped by Stensson, who goes into the book.
09:07 PM BST
49 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
It looks as if Sancho has moved over to the right with George now operating from the left. Perhaps it will be a more orthodox back four from the hosts now with Gusto dropping deeper in this half.
It’s been a fairly low-key start to this second period with Chelsea enjoying virtually all of the ball but not creating anything as of yet.
09:03 PM BST
46 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
We are back underway at Stamford Bridge with the visitors kicking things off going from right to left.
There is one half-time change for Chelsea with Maresca bringing on teenager Mheuka in place of Cucurella. It’s looking like he’ll be leading the line so some tactical tweeks needed too for the hosts.
08:58 PM BST
Comfortable for Chelsea
Chelsea have enjoyed 69% of the ball and have had 11 shots compared to Djurgarden’s four, while managing three attempts on goal compared to the visitors’ one.
08:56 PM BST
In the other semi-final
In tonight’s other Conference League semi-final between Fiorentina and Real Betis, Antony opened the scoring with yet another goal for the Spanish side to establish a 3-1 lead on aggregate but the the hosts have since gone level thanks to two headed goals from Robin Gosens.
08:47 PM BST
Half-time: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Chelsea threaten a second as George is played into the right of the box. He steps inside and looks to let fly but his effort is blocked.
The ball lands at the feet of Dewsbury-Hall who loses out initially but wins it back and works the room for the shot but slips as he takes aim and it goes over.
That is the final action of this opening period and it’s Chelsea who have the lead on the night and the huge advantage on aggregate.
08:45 PM BST
43 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Chelsea give it away as they look to play out with Kosugi making the interception. The full-back skips inside Cucurella and takes aim from range but his effort deflects off Badiashile and into the arms of Jorgensen.
08:44 PM BST
41 mins: Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1)
You wouldn’t say that Chelsea have been particularly creative here but they deserve their lead on the balance of play, and it’s a lovely finish by Dewsbury-Hall. It followed some fine work by George, who has looked sharp in attack throughout.
08:41 PM BST
GOAL! Dewsbury-Hall opens the scoring
Chelsea 1 (5) Djurgarden 0 (1) (Dewsbury-Hall) Tosin pings a pass into the feet of George who had dropped into midfield away from Djurgarden’s central defenders.
The youngster gets on the half turn and slips in Dewsbury-Hall into the space he had just vacated.
The midfielder shifts the ball onto his left foot and whips a finish into the bottom left corner off the post to open the scoring for Chelsea. A really well-worked goal.
08:38 PM BST
37 mins: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Gusto’s cross from the right is whipped towards George at the near post but he doesn’t have the room to muster an effort on goal and it just bounces off his chest and out for a goal-kick.
08:36 PM BST
35 mins: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Gusto is played into the right channel but is on the receiving end of a robust challenge that, despite earning Chelsea a corner, appears to have left him in some pain.
Eventually he is back on his feet and the corner comes to nothing for the hosts.
08:33 PM BST
32 mins: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Walsh drives to the edge of the box before sliding George into the left of the area but his low strike is saved by the foot of Rinne. It was probably going wide of the right post but a smart stop nonetheless.
Djurgarden attack quickly on the turnover but a deflection takes the sting off their eventual strike and Jorgensen can gather easily.
08:30 PM BST
30 mins: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
George can drive sharply into the right of the box before skipping past his man and letting fly but his low left-footed effort is blocked.
The ball falls to the edge of the area to Dewsbury-Hall, who looks to curl one into the far corner, but his effort is straight at Vinne, who parries away.
08:28 PM BST
27 mins: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Djurgarden’s corner is cleared but they keep the pressure on Chelsea before James wins the foul on the edge of the box to bring the attack to an end.
Chelsea are dominating the ball but they have looked vulnerable at times in this opening half an hour.
08:25 PM BST
24 mins: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
The ball falls to Walsh on the edge of the box following the corner but his cross into the box is easy in the end for Rinne.
Chelsea look vulnerable at the back for a moment but James can bring it away before Sancho’s slipped pass into the area looking for the run of George runs through to the visiting keeper.
08:22 PM BST
21 mins: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Sancho feeds Walsh into the left of the box and he plays a dangerous low ball across the area but it’s cut out at the near post and away for the corner.
James goes short this time before floating a cross to the back post. Acheampong does well to keep it alive as he hooks a volley back towards goal and it’s put out for another corner, from the right this time.
08:18 PM BST
18 mins: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Sancho looks to beat his man on the outside and wins the corner as his left-footed cross is blocked. James’ inswinging delivery is claimed comfortably by Rinne.
Tosin is clumsy in the tackle as Nguen comes inside to get to the loose ball first and the Chelsea man goes into the book with the winger having taken a positive touch past him.
08:14 PM BST
14 mins: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Walsh drives towards the edge of the box and has his heels clipped so it will be a Chelsea free-kick from about 35 yards out.
Dewsbury-Hall floats in an inswinging delivery that picks out Tosin peeling around the back, but his header back across goal bounces harmlessly into the arms of Rinne.
08:13 PM BST
12 mins: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Acheampong combines nicely with Cucurella to break into the left of the box and he wins the corner as Stensson makes a last-ditch tackle.
It’s Sancho to whip it in from the left but Badiashile’s flicked header at the near post loops over the bar.
08:10 PM BST
10 mins: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
There are plenty of Djurgarden supporters in the home sections of Stamford Bridge tonight. You can see them bouncing around in groups, having a lovely old time.
There’s certainly no sign of any trouble, from what I can see. And why should there be? Two sets of fans coexisting together quite happily... it is possible in football, you know.
08:09 PM BST
8 mins: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Walsh has managed to get a lot of early touches which will settle any nerves he had. Aside from Djurgarden’s attempt on goal, it’s unsurprisingly been all Chelsea in terms of possession in these opening stages.
Walsh gets bundled to the floor by Stensson and wins the free-kick on the edge of the Chelsea area to relieve a moment of pressure on the hosts.
08:05 PM BST
4 mins: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
Early signs of Chelsea’s system are that Acheampong is playing in a back three with Tosin and Badiashile with Cucurella stepping in to midfield while Chelsea have the ball and Gusto staying out wide on the right with Sancho on the left.
An early chance for the visitors as Acheampong loses out and Priske can pick out Nguen just inside the area, but the forward doesn’t get a clean contact on his first-time effort that loops into the arms of Jorgensen.
08:01 PM BST
1 min: Chelsea 0 (4) Djurgarden 0 (1)
We are underway at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea and Walsh getting us underway kicking from right to left.
James had his arm around Walsh just before kick-off, offering some last words of advice for his full debut. From academy graduate to captain, there aren’t many players better for the youngster to hear from.
07:57 PM BST
Players on the pitch
The players have emerged from the tunnel at an expectant Stamford Bridge. Will the home crowd be entertained this evening? The action begins shortly.
07:55 PM BST
Kick-off approaching
We are just five minutes away from kick-off at Stamford Bridge. Can Djurgarden apply any pressure on Chelsea or will it be a case of how many for the hosts on their way to the final?
07:51 PM BST
Djurgarden ‘punished’ in first leg, says Honkavaara
Djurgarden manager Jani Honkavaara has said this week: “Chelsea showed their qualities last time and the biggest lesson for us is that as soon as we make a mistake we are punished for it.
“We also needed to be just as clinical for ourselves, where we had a number of good chances that we should have managed better.
“Teams at this level punish the opposition immediately if you don’t do your job, so we have to step out and do the job even better on Thursday.”
07:48 PM BST
Final preparations
07:46 PM BST
Chelsea finding form at the right time
Chelsea have won their last four matches in all competitions following the defeat in the second leg of their Conference League quarter-final against Legia Warsaw.
Enzo Maresca’s men registered Premier League victories against Fulham and Everton before their comfortable victory over Djurgarden in the first leg of this semi-final tie.
The west London side extended their winning run on the weekend as they beat league champions Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Their recent string of victories has left them well-poised to finish the season strongly with a Conference League title and top five finish in the league.
07:43 PM BST
Maresca on handing Walsh full debut
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca speaking to TNT Sports about giving 16-year-old Reggie Walsh a first senior start: “He is a talent. Very good. His technique is fantastic. I really like him between the lines. You could see immediately he has something.
“For sure because he is only 17/18 he still needs to work hard but I like the personality. He has worked with us during the season and he is not shy, he is always asking for the ball. He is shouting and talking, which I like. He’s a good player.”
07:39 PM BST
Palmer ends drought
Cole Palmer ended his 18-match goal drought on the weekend as he sealed Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Liverpool from the spot.
It’s unlikely the England international will be needed this evening but Enzo Maresca will have been delighted to see his star man return to form with a player of the match performance at a crucial point of the season.
07:35 PM BST
‘Any game can be tricky’ - Maresca on Chelsea being favourites
Discussing how Chelsea have dealt with being favourites to win the Conference League this season, Enzo Maresca said: “When you join a competition or you’re in a game where you’re under pressure to win, it’s not the same.
“You have to do the job and the most important thing is also to convince the players that there are no easy games. Any game can be tricky.”
07:31 PM BST
Chelsea looking to avoid repeat of complacent second-leg
Enzo Maresca will be wary of complacency this evening after his side were beaten 2-1 at home against Legia Warsaw in the second leg of their quarter-final following a 3-0 victory away from home a week earlier.
Despite Chelsea progressing into a European semi-final, the atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge at full time was a toxic one after a lacklustre display from the hosts.
07:27 PM BST
Who is Reggie Walsh?
Who is Reggie Walsh? It’s a fair question to ask. Outside of the academy bubble, few will have heard of the 16-year-old before he made his first-team debut as a substitute in Sweden last week. He is the third youngest player in the club’s history and the youngest since 1967.
Walsh grew up in Fulham, just down the road from Stamford Bridge, and joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of seven. He has played for England at under-15, under-16 and under-17 level.
07:23 PM BST
‘We don’t think this is done yet’ - Jorgensen on Chelsea’s mindset
Speaking this week, Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen said: “It’s full focus. We will take it as seriously as any other game. At the end of the day, it’s the semi-final of a European competition and we want to be in the final.
“I don’t think any of us think this is done yet. We have 90 minutes left to play, we’re going to give it our all and we want to win this game as well.”
07:19 PM BST
Awaiting in the final
Should Chelsea progress into the final this evening, they will take on either Real Betis or Fiorentina, with the two sides meeting in Italy for the second leg of their semi-final this evening.
It’s the Spanish side who lead the tie at the halfway mark following their 2-1 victory last Thursday, with Manchester United loanee Antony getting on the scoresheet once again.
07:15 PM BST
Inside the dressing room
07:11 PM BST
‘Important for the club’ - Maresca on winning Conference League
Enzo Maresca has said it is “very important for different reasons” that Chelsea win the Conference League this season.
The Chelsea manager said: “The main one is we want this club winning trophies. It’s important personally, but it’s more important for the club and the fans.
“Chelsea can become the first club to win all European competitions so that would be good for the club.”
07:07 PM BST
The first leg
Chelsea took a huge step towards reaching the Conference League final last Thursday as they cruised to a 4-1 win over Djurgarden in the first leg of the last four tie.
Goals from Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke gave Enzo Maresca’s side a first-half lead in Sweden before Nicolas Jackson bagged a brace from the bench following his half-time introduction.
Isak Alemayehu Mulugeta got one back for the hosts, just three minutes after Jackson’s second, but it’s unlikely to be anything more than a consolation.
07:03 PM BST
Those teams in full
Chelsea: Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Badiashile, Cucurella; Acheampong, James; Walsh, Dewsbury-Hall, Sancho; George.
Subs: Sanchez, Caicedo, Chalobah, Colwill, Bergstrom, Antwi, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Madueke, Mhueka, Jackson.
Djurgarden: Rinne; Stahl, Une Larsson, Tenho, Bergh; Finndell, Stensson, Gulliksen; Haarala, Nguen, Priske.
Subs: Alemayehu Mulugeta, Atlee, Croon, Danielson, Selfven, Vucenovic.
06:57 PM BST
Djurgarden make two changes from first leg
There are two changes to the Djurgarden side which started the first leg against Chelsea as Stahl and Danielson make way for Bergh and Tenho.
06:52 PM BST
Chelsea make 10 changes as Walsh, 16, starts
Maresca has made 10 changes to the Chelsea team which started in the 3-1 win over Liverpool on the weekend with Cucurella the only player to keep his place.
However, there are just two changes from the team that started in the first leg a week ago as Walsh and Gusto come into the team in place of Madueke and Fernandez.
06:47 PM BST
Chelsea in the building
06:44 PM BST
Maresca on player of the season Caicedo
Moises Caicedo was named the Chelsea Player and Players’ Player of the Season on Sunday.
Discussing the midfielder this week, manager Enzo Maresca said: “He has done well since day one. He’s working very hard.
“The way he behaves is a good example for his team-mates and for the younger players, even though he is very young.”
06:41 PM BST
Eyes on the prize
06:36 PM BST
Injury news
Enzo Maresca had no new injury problems to report following Chelsea’s victory over Liverpool on the weekend.
The Italian said that Marc Guiu is “very close to being back” but the forward may benefit from more training sessions before returning.
Christopher Nkunku remains sidelined through injury while Wesley Fofana will not feature for the rest of the season after undergoing hamstring surgery.
06:31 PM BST
Preview: Chelsea look to seal spot in Conference League final
Good evening and welcome to live coverage of the second leg of the Uefa Conference League semi-final between Chelsea and Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge. Following a comfortable 4-1 victory in the first leg of the tie, the west London side will be more than confident of progression into the final, but as they enter a season-defining period of games, manager Enzo Maresca will be keen for his side to continue their impressive run of form.
The Italian will be particularly wary of complacency following his side’s 2-1 defeat at home against Legia Warsaw in the second leg of their quarter-final following a 3-0 victory away from home a week earlier. Despite Chelsea progressing into a European semi-final, the atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge at full time was a toxic one after a lacklustre display from the hosts.
However, they have since enjoyed an upturn in form, winning all four subsequent matches in all competitions. As well as their first leg triumph over Djurgarden, Chelsea have claimed Premier League victories over Fulham, Everton and Liverpool, leaving them fifth in the division and well-placed to claim a Champions League spot, which looked unlikely before the string of wins.
Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday will give them a timely boost of confidence, not only because of the result against the recently crowned champions, but through the performance of Cole Palmer, who looked back to his best as he scored his first goal since January.
Should Chelsea, who have been heavy favourites for Conference League glory since the start of the campaign, progress into the final this evening, they will take on either Real Betis or Fiorentina, with the two sides meeting in Italy for the second leg of their semi-final this evening. It’s the Spanish side who lead the tie at the halfway mark following their 2-1 victory last Thursday.
2025-05-08T21:44:39Z