Djurgarden vs Chelsea Preview

• Chelsea to win
• Over 1.5 goals for Chelsea

Swedish history-makers face ultimate test

Having already achieved history by reaching their first-ever UEFA semi-final, Swedish side Djurgården are now braced for their biggest challenge yet as they welcome Chelsea to the Tele2 Arena. This landmark occasion sees the Stockholm-based outfit become the first Swedish club to make a European semi-final since IFK Göteborg lifted the UEFA Cup in 1986/87.

Djurgården’s journey to this point has been defined by resilience and late momentum. After a sluggish start to their league-phase campaign, they recorded four straight wins to progress, before overturning first-leg deficits in both knockout rounds to reach the last four. With six wins in their last eight two-legged ties in the competition, belief is high — but so is the scale of the challenge, as they prepare for their first ever meeting with Premier League opposition.

Chelsea eye silverware and salvation

For Chelsea, only a trophy will make this turbulent season feel anything like a success. The Blues are fighting to secure a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League via domestic form, but their Conference League campaign remains their most direct path to silverware. They come into this tie on the back of a five-game Premier League unbeaten run, capped by a 1-0 victory over Everton at the weekend.

The London club sailed through the Conference League with minimal resistance, winning their first nine games before a rotated side lost the second leg of their quarter-final against Legia Warsaw. Chelsea’s historical record against Swedish opposition will further fuel confidence, having never lost in eight such encounters (W5, D3). They have also progressed from 12 of their last 14 two-legged UEFA ties and boast a strong semi-final pedigree across recent European campaigns.

Tactical outlook

Djurgården’s success has been built on spirited, late-game comebacks and a tightly-knit squad well-drilled by coach Jani Honkavaara. Home advantage and the artificial surface at the Tele2 Arena may serve as useful levellers, but the hosts are aware that a compact, disciplined performance is needed to stay alive before the return leg at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will aim to assert dominance early. With a perfect record of scoring first and going on to win all five of their Conference League away games this term, Enzo Maresca’s side will look to stamp their authority from the outset, particularly with the speed and width provided by their attackers.

Players to watch

Tobias Gulliksen (Djurgården)

The Norwegian midfielder became a club hero with two extra-time goals in the quarter-final against Rapid Wien.

Now on four Conference League goals this season, his late surges from midfield could prove pivotal again.

Noni Madueke (Chelsea)

A standout performer in Europe this season, Madueke has been involved in four goals in five appearances (G3, A1).

He tends to shine on the road, with four of his last five goals coming away from Stamford Bridge.

Hot stat

Chelsea have scored first and gone on to win in all five of their main-draw Conference League away fixtures this season.

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