Chelsea took a big step toward advancing to the UEFA Conference League final by beating Swedish club Djurgården 4-1 in the first leg of their semifinal on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The Blues dominated the match at the 3Arena in Stockholm, showcasing their strength and skill against a team that was making history by reaching their first-ever European semifinal.
Nicolas Jackson was the star of the show, scoring twice in the second half to seal a commanding victory for Chelsea. The Senegalese striker found the back of the net in the 59th and 65th minutes, both goals displaying his poise and finishing ability. Earlier in the match, Jadon Sancho opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 13th minute, followed by Noni Madueke doubling the lead just before halftime.
Enzo Fernández played a pivotal role in the first half, providing assists for both of Chelsea's opening goals. His precise floating cross found Sancho, who slotted it home past Djurgården goalkeeper Jacob Rinne. Madueke's goal came two minutes before the break after Fernández set him up with a clever pass, allowing the winger to slide the ball into the net.
Jackson's first goal came as he capitalized on a defensive blunder by Djurgården. After a mix-up in the backline, he tapped the ball into an empty net, putting Chelsea ahead 3-0. Just six minutes later, he scored his second with a powerful shot from the edge of the area, hitting the roof of the net and effectively putting the game out of reach for the Swedish side.
Despite the scoreline, Djurgården managed to find a consolation goal in the 68th minute when Isak Alemayehu Mulugeta headed the ball down into the ground and past Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. This marked a proud moment for the young player, as it was his first senior goal.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating, "We're very happy that we won. That's the most important. It is one step forward and we hope to reach the final." His team is now in a strong position ahead of the second leg, which is scheduled for next Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Stamford Bridge.
On the other side, Djurgården's coach Jani Honkavaara faced a challenging situation, having only 14 senior players available for the match. The team had been affected by the recent resignation of their chairman, Lars-Erik Sjoberg, just days before the match, which added to the pressure on the players.
Djurgården, founded in 1891 and known for their blue and yellow colors, has a rich history in Swedish football, having won 12 league championships. However, this season marks their first foray into the semifinals of a European competition, making their performance against Chelsea a significant achievement for the club.
In the other semifinal match, Real Betis secured a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in Sevilla. Abdessamad “Abde” Ezzalzouli opened the scoring for Betis, followed by a second goal from Antony, who is on loan from Manchester United. Fiorentina, the two-time runners-up in the Conference League, managed to pull one back through captain Luca Ranieri, leaving the tie wide open for the second leg.
As Chelsea prepares for the return leg, they will be looking to maintain their momentum and secure their place in the final, which is set to take place in Wroclaw, Poland, on May 28, 2025. With a stellar performance in Stockholm, the Blues are in a prime position to lift another European trophy, adding to their impressive collection, which includes two Champions League titles and two Europa League titles.
The stage is set for a thrilling second leg at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea will aim to finish the job against Djurgården and book their spot in the final. Fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting conclusion to this semifinal tie.
