Chelsea achieved their first competitive victory under new head coach Enzo Maresca with a 2-0 win against Swiss side Servette in the first leg of their Conference League play-off.
The match, held at Stamford Bridge, saw the Blues initially struggle, resulting in boos from a section of the home crowd after a frustrating and goalless first half.
The breakthrough came in the second half when Christopher Nkunku was brought down in the penalty area by Servette goalkeeper Jeremy Frick. Nkunku stepped up to take the penalty himself, calmly converting it to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead. His goal provided a much-needed spark for the team after a lacklustre opening 45 minutes. Nkunku’s performance was a positive sign for Chelsea fans, who are hopeful the striker can play a key role this season.
The West Londoners continued to push forward after taking the lead, and they had opportunities to extend their advantage. New summer signing Marc Guiu missed a clear chance to score, squandering an opportunity to put the game beyond doubt.
Despite this miss, Chelsea maintained control of the match, with substitute Noni Madueke sealing the victory. Madueke’s goal came after a slick team move, underscoring the improved cohesion Chelsea displayed in the second half.
Player performances varied, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall standing out for his energy and involvement in winning the ball high up the pitch, which led to the penalty that opened the scoring. In contrast, Moises Caicedo, captaining the team for the first time on his 50th appearance, struggled to influence the game as expected. Other players, like Mykhailo Mudryk and Marc Guiu, also faced criticism, with Mudryk particularly wasteful in his decision-making, which frustrated Maresca.
Maresca's substitutions played a pivotal role in the second half, as he made tactical changes that helped Chelsea find their rhythm. However, the performance highlighted the ongoing challenges Maresca faces in streamlining his squad and getting the best out of his players. The coach has been actively working on trimming the squad and finding the right balance as Chelsea prepares for the new season.
This win against Servette provides a confidence boost for Chelsea as they look to progress in the Conference League and build momentum under Maresca’s leadership. The second leg will be crucial for the Premier League club to secure their place in the competition's next stage, but this initial victory under the new manager marks a positive step forward.
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