New Delhi: Chelsea continued their impressive run of form in Europe with a comfortable 3-1 victory over FC Astana, securing automatic qualification for the Conference League Round of 16. Despite braving sub-zero temperatures and an arduous 16-hour round trip to Kazakhstan, the Blues fielded a youthful side that rose to the occasion in Almaty, maintaining their 100% record in the competition.
Manager Enzo Maresca, mindful of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Brentford on Sunday, made 10 changes to the lineup that edged past Tottenham Hotspur 4-3. Axel Disasi and Pedro Neto were the most experienced names in a team filled with academy talents and fringe players, with Neto being the only one retaining his place from the win over Spurs as he’s due to miss the Brentford clash due to suspension.
Chelsea wasted no time asserting their dominance on the artificial pitch. Within 15 minutes, Marc Guiu showcased his attacking prowess with a superb solo run down the right flank, capping it off with a deft finish past Astana goalkeeper Mukhamedjan Seysen. Guiu’s performance set the tone for the Blues and provided a glimpse into the depth of talent within Chelsea’s squad.
The visitors doubled their advantage shortly after, thanks to some great work by Neto down the right wing. His driven cross caused confusion in the Astana defense, with both Guiu and Astana defender Aleksandr Marochkin vying for the ball before it went beyond the goal-line. There was a lot of confusion regarding with it was Guiu’s goal or an own goal but UEFA ultimately credited it as a brace for the young Spaniard.
Victory in Kazakhstan! 👊🔵#CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/Xz5iygkm7v
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
Renato Veiga then made it 3-0 before the break, heading home from a pinpoint Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall corner and grabbing his second goal for the club. Astana pulled one back late in the first half through Marin Tomasov, with the veteran captain delivering a moment of quality for the hosts. Displaying exquisite footwork, Tomasov weaved through Chelsea’s defense before rifling a shot into the top corner, leaving Filip Jørgensen with no chance.
With the result effectively sealed by halftime, the second half offered Chelsea an opportunity to rotate further and provide valuable minutes to their rising stars. Debutants Kiano Dyer, Shumaira Mheuka, and Ato Ampah were introduced, while Chelsea managed the game with composure, maintaining control and limiting Astana’s attacking opportunities.
Despite the freezing conditions, with the temperature being around -10°C, Chelsea’s youthful side handled the environment admirably, ensuring there was no way back for the Kazakh side. Maresca’s decision to rest key players for Sunday’s Premier League fixture appeared justified as the Blues avoided significant injuries or fatigue. The win ensures Chelsea’s passage to the knockout rounds, solidifying their position at the top of the 36-team standings with five wins from five games.
Legia Warsaw is the only team capable of overtaking Chelsea in the group stage, requiring a massive seven-goal margin in their fixture against Lugano. For Astana, the defeat leaves them precariously placed at 24th in the standings. With only one game remaining, the Kazakh side faces a tough task to secure a knockout round spot, especially as other teams complete their matches in the competition’s later fixtures.
Player of the Match
🇪🇸✨ | 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐮 (𝟏𝟖) vs Astana 🇰🇿 today:
▫️1 Goal
▫️1 Key Pass
▫️1 Big Chance Created
▫️1/2 Ground Duels Won
▫️73% Pass Accuracy pic.twitter.com/LBX72ksMiO
— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) December 12, 2024
In Chelsea’s impressive 3-1 victory over FC Astana, Marc Guiu delivered a standout performance that underscored his immense potential. The young forward seized his opportunity in the starting lineup with two crucial goals, setting the tone for his team’s dominance in freezing conditions. His movement in the opposition box was sharp and decisive, registering six touches in the opposition penalty box. Despite limited involvement, with only 22 touches in the game, Guiu’s efficiency in front of goal was evident with a 67% shot accuracy, converting his chances with a composure well beyond his years. His ability to link play was also on display, as he created one key chance for his teammates and maintained a 73% pass accuracy.
Guiu’s impact went beyond just his attacking contributions. His willingness to battle for the ball saw him win a vital foul, relieving pressure during a pivotal phase of the match. The youngster’s work rate and awareness were instrumental in Chelsea’s seamless transitions between defense and attack. Operating in sub-zero temperatures on an artificial pitch, Guiu showed remarkable adaptability and maturity, combining technical quality with a strong mentality. His performance not only secured the win for Chelsea but also reinforced his growing reputation as a player capable of thriving on the big stage.
A heavily rotated Chelsea side emerged 3-1 winners over FC Astana in Almaty, where temperatures stooped to -10°C courtesy a brace from teenage striker Marc Guiu and Portuguese left-back Renato Veiga. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
