Europa Conference League Play-Off Chelsea 2-0 Servette: Nkunku and Madueke score the goals

Chelsea won the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off as they saw off the challenge of Swiss side Servette 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Despite the comfortable score line, it was a night that could have been nervy for the Blues, and they were relieved to seal the win.  

The game started slowly, and this was because this was Maresca’s first match as the Chelsea manager and most of the first half was dominated by the visitors. The Blues, who fielded a largely changed team from the one that faced Wolverhampton in the Premier League match, were off form for most of the game, allowing Servette to create chance after chance. But Chelsea’s backline, especially when Tosin Adarabioyo played in the middle of the defense, proved solid.

The second half brought a new direction for The Blues. The first goal came five minutes into the second half when Chelsea was awarded a penalty and Christopher Nkunku made no mistake in slotting the ball past the goalkeeper Jeremy Frick of Servette. This penalty placed Chelsea in a very good position and gave the fans at Stamford Bridge something to smile about.

However, the lead did not make the Blues relax. Chelsea had chances to increase the lead, with Marc Guiu squandering a one-on-one chance immediately after the goal from Nkunku. But Noni Madueke, who had been on the bench, put the final nail in the coffin for Chelsea. There was still time to add a third goal, but it never came.

But yet again Chelsea had their moments of scare despite the victory. In the last minute, Servette’s Jeremy Guillemenot missed a clear chance and allowed Maresca’s side to heave a sigh of relief when the referee blew for full-time. If Servette had been able to score a goal their chances during their first-half supremacy, the mood at Stamford Bridge would have been much tenser.

For Chelsea fans, this was a must-win match. When Maresca starts to try and put his ideas into practice, wins like these will help to foster belief within the squad. Whether for domestic or European leagues, watching live matches at Stamford Bridge requires Chelsea tickets. Reputable sites such as 1BoxOffice are the best places to get Chelsea tickets at very cheap prices to ensure fans do not miss any of the experiences this season.

With the next match against Wolves in the Premier League slated for Sunday at the Molineux, the Blues will have to carry on. For Maresca, however, the win against Servette will be a relief but there is more to be done. Chelsea’s fans should prepare for the ride of their lives and 1BoxOffice is the best place to purchase Chelsea tickets for the games at Stamford Bridge.