On May 8, 2025, Chelsea will host Djurgården at Stamford Bridge for the second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final, following a commanding 4-1 victory in the first leg in Sweden. The match is set to kick off at 22:00 Kyiv time, and Chelsea is looking to secure their place in the final against either Real Betis or Fiorentina later this month.
Under the guidance of coach Enzo Maresca, Chelsea aims to capitalize on their impressive performance from the first leg, where Jaden Sancho opened the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by Noni Madueke doubling the lead just before halftime. Nicolas Jackson then came off the bench to score twice, solidifying Chelsea's advantage. Although Isak Alemahe managed to grab a consolation goal for Djurgården, it was clear that Chelsea was in control throughout the match.
In the quarter-finals, Chelsea exhibited their dominance by defeating Legia Warsaw 3-0 away before narrowly losing 1-2 at home, which resulted in a 4-2 aggregate score. Their consistent performance in the Conference League this season has been marked by six wins in the group stage with a staggering goal difference of +21. Chelsea has scored in 24 consecutive home games, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Despite their successful run, Chelsea faces some injury challenges. Key players Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana, and Marc Guiu will miss the match due to injuries. However, Romeo Lavia has returned to training but is ineligible for the Conference League due to registration issues. This has forced Maresca to consider rotating his squad to avoid further injuries as they also focus on their Premier League campaign.
On the other hand, Djurgården, who finished fourth in Allsvenskan in both 2023 and 2024, comes into this match after a tough defeat in the first leg. They started their European journey back in July, overcoming hurdles in the qualifiers against teams like Progress Niederkorn, Ilves, and Maribor before making it to the main round. In the knockout stages, they managed to defeat Pafos and Rapid Vienna, but their chances of progressing further in the Conference League were severely hampered by their heavy defeat at home.
Coach Jani Honkavaara's priority now shifts to improving Djurgården's domestic league performance, especially after a recent 1-1 draw with AIK left them without a win in their last three matches. After six rounds of the current season, they have only accumulated eight points out of a possible 18. Djurgården's hopes of making history in the Conference League—by becoming the first Swedish team to win 11 matches in a single European competition season—are dimmed due to their current form.
In terms of squad depth, Djurgården is grappling with significant injury issues. First-choice goalkeeper Filip Manojlovic is unavailable, and reserve goalkeeper Malkolm Nilsson is also sidelined due to a leg injury. This means Jacob Rinne will continue as the starter. The team is missing several key players, including Zakaria Sawo, Mathias Siljantan, and veteran Albin Ekdal, leaving them with only seven players eligible for substitution in the first leg.
As Chelsea prepares for this crucial match, the team has shown resilience and strength at home, winning 17 of their last 23 matches at Stamford Bridge. Fans can expect a high-tempo game with Chelsea likely to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. The Blues have been effective in their attacking style, and with a solid defense, they are not expected to concede easily.
The prior meeting between these two teams was a testament to Chelsea's superiority, and the odds are heavily in favor of the English side as they look to secure their place in the final. Betting markets reflect this sentiment, with expectations for Chelsea to win comfortably. However, Djurgården will be looking to end their European journey on a high note, hoping for a performance that can restore some pride.
As the match approaches, predictions indicate a likely victory for Chelsea, with a scoreline of 2-0 being a popular forecast among analysts. While Chelsea's form and home advantage make them the favorites, Djurgården's determination to leave a mark in this competition cannot be underestimated. They will need to muster every ounce of strength and strategy if they are to challenge the formidable Chelsea side.
With the stakes high and both teams eager to make their mark, fans can anticipate an exciting clash at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, with their sights set on the final, will aim to maintain their momentum and deliver another impressive performance, while Djurgården seeks to prove their worth and end their European campaign on a positive note.
