Chelsea will be confident of cruising into the Conference League final tonight as they host Djurgarden in the second leg of their semi-final tie. A 4-1 win a week ago in Sweden has the Blues in complete control of the tie, and only one of the biggest upsets in European football history will deny them a place in the final in Poland later this month.
Enzo Maresca’s side were further boosted on Sunday by an impressive win over champions Liverpool, leaving them fifth in the Premier League table and still hoping to secure a place in the Champions League next season. With a crucial trip to Newcastle to come this weekend, Maresca has rotated his side, handing a first senior start to 16-year-old Reggie Walsh in midfield.
As Chelsea prepares to take on Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge, the atmosphere is electric. The Blues are looking to finish the job after a commanding performance in the first leg, where they secured a 4-1 victory thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, and two from Nicolas Jackson. The Swedish side, Djurgarden, will need a miracle to overturn this deficit, but they are determined to put on a brave face and give their all.
Filip Jorgensen starts in goal for Chelsea and has spent the build-up to this tie insisting the job is not yet done. "It's full focus," he said. "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."
For Chelsea, the line-up reflects a mix of experience and youth. The starting XI features Jorgensen, Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Marc Cucurella in defense. In midfield, Reece James and Walsh will look to control the game, while Tyrique George leads the attack, flanked by Sancho and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Walsh's inclusion is particularly noteworthy as he becomes the third youngest player to start a senior match in Chelsea's history.
Enzo Maresca confirmed on May 7, 2025, that he has an almost fully fit squad to choose from, which has allowed him to make these changes. The Chelsea coach is aware of the potential pitfalls of complacency, especially after a previous experience where his team lost at home despite a strong first-leg lead. Maresca has urged his players to stay focused and not underestimate their opponents.
"It’s a good result, but we have the experience from the Legia Warszawa game, where we won 3-0 there and we struggled a little bit, so we need to be focused on the second leg," he stated. His warning resonates as Chelsea prepares to face a Djurgarden side that has nothing to lose and will be looking to make the most of their European adventure.
Djurgarden, meanwhile, is looking to make history. They are the first Swedish side to reach the semi-finals of a European competition since 1987, and while they face an uphill battle, their coach Jani Honkavaara has called on his players to be proud of their achievements. "We just have to focus on playing a good game," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining morale despite the daunting task ahead.
Kick-off is set for 20:00 GMT, and the Chelsea fans are expected to fill Stamford Bridge, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The Blues have been favorites to win the Conference League from the start, and with a potential final against either Fiorentina or Real Betis on the horizon, the stakes are high.
As the match approaches, anticipation builds. Chelsea fans are hopeful for a comfortable win that will see them through to the final, while Djurgarden supporters remain optimistic, hoping for a miraculous comeback. With the teams ready to take the pitch, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge for what promises to be an exciting evening of football.
In terms of injuries, Chelsea will be without several key players, including Wesley Fofana and Christopher Nkunku, who are sidelined with injuries. Djurgarden also faces challenges, with several players unavailable, including Patric Aslund and Malkolm Nilsson, which could impact their performance.
As the match unfolds, Chelsea will look to assert their dominance early, capitalizing on their home advantage and the confidence gained from their recent performances. With the attacking prowess of Sancho and the creativity of Walsh, the Blues will aim to put the tie beyond doubt and secure their place in the final.
Meanwhile, Djurgarden will aim to play with freedom, knowing that this could be their last European match of the season. If they can score early, it could set the stage for a thrilling encounter. However, Chelsea's defensive solidity and tactical awareness under Maresca will make it a tough challenge for the visitors.
As the players take their positions on the field, the excitement in the air is palpable. Chelsea is poised to take the next step in their European journey, while Djurgarden seeks to leave a lasting impression in this historic competition. The stage is set for a memorable night of football at Stamford Bridge.
