Chelsea vs Bournemouth Report

Scorers: Caicedo 17’, Sterling 48’; Badiashile 49’ (OG)

Chelsea confirmed their spot in continental competitions next season, courtesy of a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

This win, marking their fifth consecutive home league victory, ensured a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, cementing a return to Europe under Mauricio Pochettino’s stewardship.

A Spectacular Opener

Chelsea took the lead in spectacular fashion 17 minutes into the match when Moisés Caicedo took advantage of a misplaced pass by Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto. Spotting the keeper off his line, Caicedo launched an audacious strike from midfield, recording his first goal for Chelsea with a memorable effort that sent the home fans into raptures.

Doubling Down and a Quick Response

The Blues continued their dominance into the second half and quickly doubled their lead through Raheem Sterling. The England international managed to weave his way through the Cherries’ defence and slot the ball in at the near post.

Bournemouth, however, responded almost immediately. Enes Ünal showcased excellent skill to control the ball and score via a deflection off Chelsea’s Benoît Badiashile, halving the deficit and keeping the match competitive.

Defensive Solidity and Final Whistle

Chelsea’s veteran defender Thiago Silva, making his final appearance for the club, was instrumental in maintaining the lead. His defensive prowess helped Chelsea manage the game effectively in the latter stages, despite late pressure from Bournemouth.

Dominic Solanke and Dango Ouattara both had chances to level for the visitors, but Chelsea’s defence held firm to secure the victory.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Chelsea not only secure a place in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League but also have the chance to be upgraded to the UEFA Europa League, should Manchester City triumph in the FA Cup final.

It is a welcome finish to a season that has had its ups and downs, and fans can now look forward to European nights at Stamford Bridge once again. Bournemouth, finishing 12th, can reflect on a season of solid performances, particularly given their improvement on last season’s 15th-place finish.

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Chelsea v Bournemouth, 2023/24 | Premier League