Chelsea's UEFA Conference League Journey: A Deep Dive into the Djurgården Encounters

Chelsea's participation in the UEFA Conference League has been a noteworthy chapter in their recent history. This article delves into their matches against Djurgården, providing a comprehensive overview of the team's performance, key players, and pivotal moments. From pre-match expectations to post-match analysis, we cover it all.

The Road to the Semi-Finals

Chelsea's journey in the UEFA Conference League began with high hopes and expectations. As they progressed through the rounds, their semi-final clash against Djurgården IF emerged as a critical test. The two legs of this semi-final were filled with drama, tactical adjustments, and standout performances.

First Leg: Djurgården vs. Chelsea (1-4)

The first leg, held at 3Arena in Johanneshov, Sweden, saw Chelsea assert their dominance early on. The match took place on May 1, 2025, with a kickoff time of 00:30 IST (May 2nd), 20:00 BST, 15:00 EDT, and 12:00 PDT. Here’s a breakdown of the key events:

• Starting Lineups:
• Djurgården: Jacob Rinne, Marcus Danielsson, Jacob Larsson, Keita Kosugi, Adam Stahl, Tobias Fjeld Gulliksen, Daniel Stensson, Hampus Finndell, Tokmac Nguen, August Priske, Santeri Haarala.
• Chelsea: Filip Jørgensen, Benoît Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella, Josh Acheampong, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Reece James, Enzo Fernández, Tyrique George, Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke.

The match events unfolded as follows:

• 12' Goal! Jadon Sancho (Chelsea) right-footed shot, assisted by Enzo Fernández.
• 43' Goal! Noni Madueke (Chelsea) left-footed shot, assisted by Enzo Fernández.

Substitutions at Half-Time:

• Cole Palmer replaced Enzo Fernández.
• Moisés Caicedo replaced Reece James.
• Nicolas Jackson replaced Noni Madueke.
• Trevoh Chalobah replaced Marc Cucurella.

• 59' Goal! Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea) right-footed shot, assisted by Cole Palmer.
• 65' Goal! Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea) left-footed shot, assisted by Moisés Caicedo.
• 68' Goal! Isak Alemayehu (Djurgården) header, assisted by Tobias Gulliksen.

Other notable events included yellow cards for Moisés Caicedo and Tobias Gulliksen, along with additional substitutions. The game ended with a decisive 4-1 victory for Chelsea, setting a strong foundation for the second leg.

Djurgården's banner against Chelsea: "Owned by the members you'll never sing that"

Second Leg: Chelsea vs. Djurgården (1-0)

The second leg took place at Stamford Bridge on May 8, 2025. With a comfortable lead, Chelsea aimed to secure their spot in the final. The kickoff times were 00:30 IST (May 9th), 20:00 BST, 15:00 EDT, and 12:00 PDT. Here’s a summary of the match:

• Starting Lineups:
• Chelsea: Filip Jørgensen, Benoît Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong, Malo Gusto, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, Jadon Sancho, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tyrique George, Reggie Walsh.
• Djurgården: Jacob Rinne, Jacob Larsson, Miro Tenho, Viktor Bergh, Keita Kosugi, Daniel Stensson, Tobias Fjeld Gulliksen, Hampus Finndell, Santeri Haarala, Tokmac Nguen, August Priske.

The only goal of the match was scored by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the 38th minute, assisted by Tyrique George. The game also saw several substitutions and yellow cards, but Chelsea maintained their lead, winning the leg 1-0 and the semi-final 5-1 on aggregate.

Key Player Performances

Several players stood out during these matches, contributing significantly to Chelsea's success:

• Nicolas Jackson: His confidence grew notably, scoring a brace in the first leg and showing improved form. According to Enzo Maresca, Jackson looked like a "completely different player" after scoring against Everton.
• Jadon Sancho: Scored an early goal in the first leg, setting a positive tone for Chelsea.
• Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: Scored the decisive goal in the second leg, solidifying Chelsea's victory.
• Enzo Fernández: Provided crucial assists in the first leg, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
• Cole Palmer: Made a significant impact as a substitute, assisting Nicolas Jackson and demonstrating his potential.

Managerial Insights: Enzo Maresca

Chelsea's manager, Enzo Maresca, played a pivotal role in guiding the team through the Conference League. Here are some key insights from his pre- and post-match press conferences:

• Pre-Match Strategy: Maresca emphasized the importance of adapting to the artificial pitch at Djurgården's stadium and highlighted the need to manage player workload due to the congested schedule.
• Post-Match Analysis: He praised the team's performance, particularly the first 70 minutes, and noted the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency, referencing their previous experience against Warsaw.
• Youth Development: Maresca expressed excitement about giving Reggie Walsh his debut, emphasizing the importance of the academy and providing opportunities for young players.
• Winning Mentality: Maresca stressed the need to build a winning mentality by taking every game seriously, regardless of the opponent.

Fan Perspective and Atmosphere

The matches against Djurgården were marked by vibrant atmospheres, both in Sweden and at Stamford Bridge. Djurgården's supporters displayed a notable banner, highlighting their ownership structure and passion for the club. Chelsea's traveling fans also made their presence felt, creating a supportive environment for their team.

Chelsea Lineup vs Djurgarden (H): Jorgensen, Gusto, Tosin, Badiashile, Cucurella, James (C), Acheampong, Walsh, Dewsbury-Hall, Sancho, George

Strategic and Tactical Overview

Chelsea’s tactical approach in both legs was characterized by aggressive pressing, man-to-man marking, and quick transitions. In the first leg, their early goals set the tone, allowing them to control the game and exploit Djurgården’s weaknesses. Enzo Fernández’s playmaking and the clinical finishing of Sancho and Madueke were particularly effective.

In the second leg, Chelsea maintained a solid defensive structure while capitalizing on their offensive opportunities. The early substitution of key players allowed them to manage the game effectively, ensuring they secured their place in the final without significant injuries or fatigue.

Looking Ahead: Conference League Final

With a convincing victory over Djurgården, Chelsea advanced to the UEFA Conference League final, where they were set to face either Real Betis or Fiorentina. The prospect of winning the competition and adding a unique trophy to their collection served as a significant motivator for the team.

Enzo Maresca emphasized the importance of the final, stating that winning the Conference League would provide Chelsea with the opportunity to be the only club in the world to win all European competitions. This ambition added an extra layer of responsibility for both the manager and the players.

Impact on Premier League Form

Chelsea's participation in the Conference League also had implications for their Premier League form. The need to manage player workloads and balance European commitments with domestic fixtures presented challenges. However, the positive momentum gained from their Conference League success, particularly the improved confidence of players like Nicolas Jackson, had a beneficial impact on their overall performance.

Maresca acknowledged the congested schedule and the potential for injuries, especially when playing on artificial pitches. However, he remained committed to prioritizing each game, emphasizing the importance of building a winning mentality.

Youth Integration

One of the notable aspects of Chelsea's Conference League campaign was the integration of young players into the first team. Talents like Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George, and Reggie Walsh were given opportunities to showcase their abilities, gaining valuable experience in a competitive European environment. Maresca highlighted the importance of the academy and the club's commitment to nurturing young talent.

The debut of Reggie Walsh, in particular, was a significant moment, with Maresca praising his natural ability and potential. The manager's emphasis on youth development reflected a broader strategy of building a sustainable and competitive squad for the future.

Match Details: Chelsea 1-0 Djurgården

Conclusion

Chelsea's UEFA Conference League campaign, particularly their semi-final encounters with Djurgården, showcased their tactical flexibility, youth development initiatives, and ambition to win every competition they participate in. The blend of experienced players and emerging talents, combined with Enzo Maresca's strategic guidance, propelled Chelsea to a commanding victory, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final.