Chelsea vs Copenhagen Report

Scorer: Dewsbury-Hall 55’

Chelsea secured their place in the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge, completing a 3-1 aggregate triumph while maintaining their 100% record in the competition proper.

Enzo Maresca’s side, far from their fluent best, did enough to see off the Danish visitors, who now exit Europe on the back of a four-game winless streak.

Copenhagen Start Brightly as Chelsea Struggle for Control

After being knocked off the top of the Danish Superliga following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Sønderjyske at the weekend, Copenhagen entered this clash needing to overturn a narrow first-leg deficit.

Despite the pressure, they started positively, unsettling a Chelsea side that struggled to impose themselves in a first half lacking attacking intent.

With the fervent travelling support in full voice, Chelsea’s best attacking moment came through a sharp combination between Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jadon Sancho. However, a promising delivery from the former was well cut out before it could create danger.

In a half devoid of action, the first effort on target did not arrive until the closing minutes, when Viktor Claesson’s header from a corner was comfortably gathered by Filip Jörgensen.

Dewsbury-Hall Breaks the Deadlock as Chelsea Take Control

Recognising the need for attacking impetus, Maresca introduced Cole Palmer after the break. The midfielder, who had not scored since mid-January, provided a welcome spark for an underwhelmed Stamford Bridge crowd.

With the hour mark approaching, Chelsea finally made their breakthrough. Dewsbury-Hall, determined and at times fortunate, weaved his way through the Copenhagen backline before driving a low effort into the far corner, notching his third goal for the Blues.

The goal provided Chelsea with much-needed breathing room, though the pattern of the game remained largely unchanged. Palmer came close to adding a second but saw his bending effort drift just wide of the post.

Chelsea See Out a Comfortable Finish

As the match drifted towards its inevitable conclusion, both teams lacked urgency. Chelsea, knowing their progression was secured, managed the closing stages with ease, while Copenhagen’s European campaign came to a subdued end.

The Danish side, now winless in four games, exit the Conference League trailing domestically as well, underlining a frustrating period for the club.

Chelsea Look Ahead to the Quarter-Finals

While Chelsea’s performance was far from spectacular, their fourth consecutive victory across all competitions provides valuable momentum. With a European quarter-final on the horizon, Maresca’s side will hope to use this run as a platform for a strong finish to the season.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Chelsea vs Copenhagen | UEFA Conference League 2024/25