Chelsea dominated from the outset of the match, quickly making their mark with an impressive goal by Marc Guiu, who skillfully maneuvered around his defender to finish from close range.
The Blues continued to apply pressure, leading to a second goal when Guiu capitalized on a Pedro Neto cross, managing to force the ball into the net at the near post. While it may be recorded as an own goal, Guiu’s determination played a key role in the sequence.
Renato Veiga then further extended Chelsea’s lead with a strong header off a corner kick. However, in the latter stages of the first half, Chelsea seemed to ease off a bit, allowing the home team to gain momentum and resulting in a well-executed goal from their captain that narrowly struck the far post.
The second half was quieter, with limited scoring opportunities for both teams.
Despite making ten changes from the weekend line-up—only Pedro Neto retained his position due to suspension—several players made notable contributions. Newcomers Rak-Sakyi, Ampah, Mheuka, and Dyer all made their debuts, while Harvey Vale returned to the pitch after his absence.
This victory secures Chelsea a place in the top eight, advancing them directly to the Round of 16 without needing to go through the playoff stage.
Next up for Chelsea is a match against Brentford at home on Sunday.
KTBFFH (Keep the Blue Flag Flying High)
In summary, this match showcased Chelsea’s strength and depth, with new and familiar faces contributing to a strong team performance. As Chelsea prepares for their next challenge against Brentford, the team’s recent success offers a positive outlook for the remainder of the season.