Chelsea dominated the match from the very start, quickly establishing their offensive presence with Marc Guiu scoring the opening goal. Guiu showcased his skill by expertly evading his defender to finish from a close distance.
The team’s attacking prowess continued as they quickly netted a second goal, thanks to Guiu again, who capitalized on a Pedro Neto cross to score, with the possibility of it being ruled an own goal due to the chaotic nature of the play.
Renato Veiga added a third goal with a strong header from a corner kick, but this lead allowed Chelsea to ease off defensively toward the end of the first half. This lapse led to the home team responding with a well-executed shot from their captain that narrowly bounced off the far post and into the net.
The second half saw a drop in action, with chances for both sides but no further goals scored.
Chelsea made significant changes to their lineup, with ten substitutions from their last match, retaining only Pedro Neto due to his suspension for an upcoming league game. This match also marked the full debut for Rak-Sakyi, alongside first appearances for Ampah, Mheuka, and Dyer. The return of Harvey Vale to the squad was also welcomed.
With this victory, Chelsea has ensured a top-eight finish, securing a place in the Round of 16 and avoiding the playoff round. Looking ahead, Chelsea will host Brentford on Sunday.
Overall, this match highlights the team’s depth and versatility, showcasing promising young talent and ensuring progression in the tournament. Chelsea fans can look forward to the upcoming games with optimism as they capitalize on this momentum.
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