Chelsea cruised to victory in their latest Conference League game, beating FC Astana 3-1 to secure a place in the knockout stages.
The Blues travelled with a weaker squad to Kazakhstan but still had more than enough to pick up three points.
Marc Guiu grabbed the first two goals for the visitors, the first a spectacular solo effort that ended with him side-footing into the back of the net.
He was at it again five minutes later, getting a touch on a cross and beating the Astana keeper in the process.
Renato Veiga got a goal for himself before the half, but Astana also pulled one back to add a touch of tension to the match.
However, the result was never in doubt as Chelsea closed out the second half.
Victory in Kazakhstan! 👊🔵#CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/Xz5iygkm7v
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
How it happened
The action began early as Chelsea’s youthful lineup wasted no time asserting themselves.
In the 14th minute, 18-year-old Marc Guiu opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort. Driving in from the right flank, Guiu glided past Marochkin before calmly slotting the ball past Seisen for his third European goal this season.
Chelsea doubled their advantage just four minutes later.
Pedro Neto, lively on the wing, delivered a low cross into the box after beating Vorogovsky.
Guiu lunged at the ball, forcing an own goal from Astana’s Aleksandr Marochkin. Though initially credited to Guiu, the strike underscored Chelsea’s relentless pressure in the early stages.
Astana, struggling to find their rhythm, managed occasional forays forward but rarely threatened Chelsea’s defence.
Their first-half xG of just 0.08 reflected their difficulty creating clear chances.
Meanwhile, Chelsea continued to pile on the pressure and reaped the rewards in the 39th minute. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall floated in a precise corner that found Renato Veiga unmarked, allowing the midfielder to head home for Chelsea’s third goal.
Despite Chelsea’s control, Astana pulled a goal back just before half-time.
Love it, boys! #CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/oV8Ci7vdUQ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
Captain Marin Tomasov delivered a moment of brilliance, weaving past Veiga on the edge of the box and curling a stunning shot off the left post to make it 3-1. It was a rare highlight for the Kazakh side, whose attacking efforts had otherwise been limited.
The second half saw Astana emerge with greater intent, spurred on by Tomasov’s goal.
They managed several dangerous efforts, including a swerving long-range strike from Tomasov that Chelsea keeper Jorgensen had to palm away.
Chelsea introduced fresh legs in the second half, including 18-year-old Ato Ampah, as they sought to manage the game and maintain their lead.
Carney Chukwuemeka and Harvey Vale provided energy in midfield, but clear chances were few and far between as the game wore on.
Ultimately, Chelsea’s early dominance proved too much for Astana to overcome.
