Chelsea secured a spot in the Europa Conference League group stage, advancing on aggregate despite a 2-1 loss to Servette in the second leg of their qualifying play-off in Switzerland.
The Blues entered the match with a 2-0 lead from the first leg at Stamford Bridge, and they extended their aggregate advantage early on. Christopher Nkunku converted a penalty in the 14th minute after Mykhailo Mudryk was fouled by Keigo Tsunemoto, giving Chelsea a 3-0 lead overall.
Servette responded in the 32nd minute when Jeremy Guillemenot finished off a pass from Dereck Kutesa, beating Chelsea’s goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen to make it 1-1 on the night. The Swiss side then went ahead with Enzo Crivelli heading in a cross from Miroslav Stevanovic, making it 2-1.
Despite the pressure, Chelsea held firm, avoiding an equalizer that would have forced extra time, and clinched a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Chelsea’s Focus Remains as Servette Pushes Hard
Enzo Maresca’s squad, which had a comfortable two-goal cushion from the first leg, nearly extended their lead early in the match when Enzo Fernandez’s 25-yard effort was tipped over by Servette’s Joel Mall. Nkunku’s penalty seemed to put the tie out of reach for the hosts, but Guillemenot’s strike revived Servette’s hopes.
The Swiss team had further opportunities, with Kutesa nearly scoring after breaking through Chelsea’s defense, but he was denied by Jorgensen from a tight angle.
Noni Madueke, who recently earned his first call-up to the England squad, continued his strong form. After scoring in the first leg, he had another chance early in the second half, but Servette’s defense held firm.
The match concluded with a tense final phase, as Crivelli’s goal set the stage for a frantic finish. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson had a goal disallowed for offside, and Cole Palmer hit the crossbar. In added time, Servette’s Timothe Cognat narrowly missed the chance to level the aggregate score, dragging his shot wide.
Group Stage Qualification Offers Chelsea Squad Rotation Opportunities
Chelsea, winners of the 2021 Champions League, are competing in the Europa Conference League for the first time after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, a result that led to the departure of former manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Under Maresca, Chelsea has signed 10 new players, and with the transfer window closing, there is potential for further squad adjustments. England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell were absent from the squad in Switzerland, with speculation surrounding their futures as the deadline approaches.
Securing progression in the Conference League provides Maresca with additional opportunities to rotate his squad and give game time to fringe players over the upcoming group stage matches.
The draw for the Conference League group stage will take place on Friday at 13:30 BST at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. The competition’s format includes 36 teams playing in a single league, with the top eight advancing directly to the last 16. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th will enter a knockout phase play-off. Unlike the Champions League and Europa League, where each team plays eight matches, Conference League teams will face six opponents, with three games at home and three away.
