Chelsea have named their starting lineup ahead of the UEFA Europa Conference League second-leg clash with Swedish outfit Djurgården this evening. Enzo Maresca's side boast a four-goal advantage on aggregate ahead of the meeting at Stamford Bridge, leaving the manager with plenty of selection decisions to make as they remain locked in a Premier League battle for Champions League qualification.
As the match kicks off at 20:00 BST on May 8, 2025, the atmosphere is electric at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, coming off a commanding 4-1 victory in the first leg, are looking to secure their spot in the finals of the tournament. The first leg saw goals from Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, and a brace from Nicolas Jackson, showcasing the Blues' attacking prowess.
Enzo Maresca has opted for an almost fully rotated lineup, likely keeping an eye on their upcoming Premier League clash against Newcastle United. The starting XI features goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen, who will be shielded by defenders Marc Cucurella, Benoît Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Malo Gusto. The midfield will see Reggie Walsh, Tyrique George, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, while Jadon Sancho and Josh Acheampong will support striker George.
Djurgården, on the other hand, will have to dig deep to overcome their first-leg deficit. Under the guidance of coach Jani Honkavaara, they come into the match with a lineup that includes goalkeeper Jacob Rinne and defenders Une Larsson, Danielson, and Kosugi. Their midfield features Gulliksen, Stensson, and Finndell, while the attacking trio consists of Haarala, Nguen, and Priske.
As the match progresses, Chelsea are clearly dominating possession and creating opportunities, but they struggle to convert their chances into goals. The visitors from Sweden are defending resolutely, aiming to catch Chelsea on the break. Despite Chelsea's control, the game remains scoreless as they face a well-organized Djurgården defense.
In the 30th minute, Chelsea finally breaks the deadlock! A well-executed counterattack sees Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall find the back of the net with a precise shot into the right corner, making it 1-0 for Chelsea and extending their aggregate lead to 5-1. The home crowd erupts in celebration, sensing that their team is on the verge of securing a place in the finals.
As the second half unfolds, Chelsea continues to press for more goals, determined to put the tie beyond reach. However, Djurgården is not backing down easily. They have moments of brilliance, with a couple of attempts from distance that test Jörgensen in goal, but nothing that truly threatens the Chelsea defense.
With the clock ticking down, Chelsea remains in control, but they must be cautious not to become complacent. The visitors are looking to exploit any defensive lapses and push forward in search of a goal that could change the complexion of the match.
As the final whistle approaches, Chelsea holds firm, showcasing their strong defensive capabilities. The match ends 1-0 in favor of Chelsea, sealing a 5-1 aggregate victory and securing their place in the UEFA Europa Conference League finals. The players celebrate on the pitch, acknowledging the support of their fans who filled Stamford Bridge.
Post-match, Enzo Maresca expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "We showed our quality tonight and executed our game plan effectively. The players gave their all, and I’m proud of their efforts. We look forward to the final and will prepare thoroughly for that challenge." The victory marks another step in Chelsea's pursuit of silverware this season, adding to their impressive run in the competition.
Meanwhile, Djurgården will need to regroup and focus on their domestic campaign as they continue to navigate a challenging start to their season. The Swedish side has shown resilience and determination, but they will need to improve their performance to compete at this level in the future.
With this win, Chelsea not only advances to the finals but also continues their strong form, remaining unbeaten in the UEFA Conference League this season. They have now won seven of their last eight matches in the competition, scoring 21 goals and conceding only five.
As the players leave the pitch, the excitement builds for the final, where Chelsea will look to add another trophy to their illustrious cabinet. The fans are hopeful, and the team is ready to embrace the challenge ahead.
