Chelsea dominated the match from the very beginning, quickly finding an opening thanks to Marc Guiu’s skillful maneuvering around a defender, allowing him to finish from close range. The team continued to create opportunities, and Guiu struck again by tapping in a cross from Pedro Neto at the near post. Initially credited to Guiu, this goal may ultimately be recorded as an own goal due to the muddled circumstances.
Renato Veiga further increased Chelsea’s lead with a header from a corner kick, making it three for the visiting team. However, this comfortable position led to a bit of a relaxation, allowing the home side to gain momentum and score a stunning goal from their captain, which ricocheted off the inside of the far post just before halftime.
The second half saw little action in terms of goals, with both teams having opportunities but failing to convert. Chelsea had made ten changes from their weekend match, with only Pedro Neto retaining his place due to his suspension in the upcoming league game. This match also saw the full debut of Rak-Sakyi, alongside debuts for Ampah, Mheuka, and Dyer, while Harvey Vale made a welcome return.
With this victory, Chelsea has secured a top-eight finish and a place in the Round of 16, thus avoiding the playoff round. Looking ahead, they will face Brentford at home on Sunday.
This performance highlights Chelsea’s depth and versatility, particularly with the introduction of new players, signaling a bright future as they continue to build their squad.
Overall, Chelsea fans can take pride in the team’s performance and be hopeful for the upcoming matches.