Djurgarden vs Chelsea Report

Scorers: Alemayehu Mulugeta 68’; Sancho 13’, Madueke 43’, Jackson 59’, 65’

Chelsea all but sealed their place in the UEFA Conference League final with a commanding 4-1 victory away to Djurgårdens. Goals from Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson (2), and an early strike from Sancho ensured the Blues take a three-goal advantage into the return leg at Stamford Bridge.

First Half – Blues in Control from the Off

After suffering their first defeat of the competition in the previous round’s second leg, Chelsea were eager to reassert themselves in Sweden, and they started brightly despite a rotated XI. The breakthrough came inside 15 minutes as Jadon Sancho’s shot deflected in off Marcus Danielsson to give the visitors a deserved lead.

Noni Madueke was a constant threat and came close to doubling the advantage, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Jacob Rinne. However, he found the net just before the break, turning in from close range after a well-worked move. Djurgårdens rarely threatened in the opening 45, though Tokmac Nguen forced Filip Jörgensen into a save from a deflected effort.

Second Half – Jackson’s Quickfire Brace Puts Tie to Bed

The hosts made a bright start to the second half with efforts from August Priske and Adam Ståhl, but Chelsea’s superior quality soon told. Introduced at the break, Nicolas Jackson made an immediate impact. First, he capitalised on a defensive mix-up between Ståhl and Rinne to score into an empty net, then added his second with a powerful strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Djurgårdens did manage a consolation goal through substitute Isak Alemayehu’s header at the back post, and they showed commendable spirit in pushing for more. However, Chelsea remained composed in possession and saw out the remainder of the match comfortably.

What It Means

Chelsea now take a commanding 4-1 lead back to Stamford Bridge, placing one foot firmly in the UECL final. Maresca’s side remain on track to become the first club to win all of UEFA’s major club competitions. Djurgårdens, meanwhile, would need a miracle to overturn the deficit in the second leg.

Key Stats

• Chelsea are unbeaten in all matches against Swedish opposition in European competition.
• Nicolas Jackson’s brace took him to 13 goals in all competitions this season.
• Djurgårdens conceded four goals in a European home match for the first time since 1998.
• The Blues have now lost just one of their last 15 European away games.

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