Chelsea Defeat Copenhagen In Europa Conference League Clash

Chelsea recorded a 2-1 win over Copenhagen at the Parken Stadium in Denmark on Thursday night in the first leg of their Europa Conference League round of 16 clash.

Enzo Maresca opted to start youngster Shim Mheuka upfront instead of Christopher Nkunku, while Benoit Badiashile also started for the first time since returning from injury.

Kierna Dewsbury-Hall, Tyrique George, and Robert Sanchez were also handed a rare start.

The hosts started with a five-man backline in a bid to frustrate Chelsea, and it worked for the first 45 minutes as the visitors struggled to make anything happen.

Maresca brought on Christopher Nkunku, Enzo Fernandez, and Levi Colwill in the second half.

The changes quickly resulted in a goal immediately after the restart when Reece James opened the scoring with a powerful effort from 25-yards from Marc Cucurella’s assist.

Enzo Fernandez made it 2-0 for Chelsea with a clinical finish in the 18-yard box, drilling home a pass from Tyrique George.

Gabriel Pereira reduced the deficit for Copenhagen in the 79th minute but Chelsea held on to secure a first-leg victory.

The second leg comes up next Thursday at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues will return to Premier League action on Sunday against Leicester City.

Chelsea Defeat Copenhagen In Europa Conference League Clash is first published on The Whistler Newspaper