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Chelsea cruised to victory in their final Conference League game, beating FC Astana 3-1 to secure a place in the knockout stages.
The Blues traveled to Kazakhstan with a weaker team, but they still had more than enough for three points.
Marc Guiu scored the first two goals for the visitors, the first a spectacular solo effort that ended with his side-kick into the net.
He was back in the game five minutes later, catching the ball after a cross and beating the Astana goalkeeper.
Renato Veiga scored an own goal before half-time, but Astana also pulled one back to add a touch of tension to the game.
However, the result was not in doubt as Chelsea closed out the second half.
Victory in Kazakhstan! 👊🔵#CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/Xz5iygkm7v
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
How it happened
The action started early as Chelsea’s youthful line-up wasted no time asserting themselves.
In the 14th minute, 18-year-old Marc Guiu opened the scoring with a great solo shot. Cutting in from the right, Guiu got past the Moroccan before calmly slotting the ball past Seisen for his third European goal of the season.
Chelsea doubled their lead just four minutes later.
Pedro Neto, lively on the wing, sent a low cross into the box after beating Vorogovski.
Guiu pounced on the ball and forced an own goal from Astana’s Aleksandar Maročkin. Although initially credited to Gui, the strike highlighted Chelsea’s relentless pressure in the early stages.
Astana, who struggled to find their rhythm, managed to occasionally attack forward but rarely threatened Chelsea’s defence.
Their first half xG of just 0.08 reflected their difficulty in creating clear chances.
Meanwhile, Chelsea kept up the pressure and reaped the rewards in the 39th minute. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall curled in a corner that found Renato Veiga unmarked, allowing the midfielder to score Chelsea’s third goal.
Despite Chelsea’s control, Astana pulled a goal back just before half-time.
I love it guys! #CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/oV8Ci7vdUQ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
Captain Marin Tomasov produced a moment of brilliance, passing Veiga on the edge of the penalty area and making it 3-1 with a stunning shot against the left post. It was a rare highlight for the Kazakhstani side, whose attacks were otherwise limited.
In the second half, Astana came with greater intent, spurred on by Tomasov’s goal.
They managed several dangerous attempts, including a long-range shot from Tomasov that Chelsea goalkeeper Jorgensen had to save.
Chelsea introduced new players in the second half, including 18-year-old Ato Ampah, as they tried to control the game and maintain their lead.
Carney Chukwuemeka and Harvey Vale provided energy in midfield, but clear-cut chances were few and far between as the game wore on.
Ultimately, Chelsea’s early dominance proved too much for Astana to overcome.
