Chelsea are on the brink of securing their place in the last 16 of the Conference League after a 3-1 victory over Astana in Kazakhstan.
The match, played in frigid conditions with temperatures as low as minus-nine degrees, saw Chelsea adjust effortlessly.
Marc Guiu made the most of a rare starting opportunity, scoring twice in the first 20 minutes, while Renato Veiga’s header just before halftime effectively sealed the win for Chelsea.
Although veteran captain Marin Tomasov netted a fine goal for the hosts late in the first half, Astana were outclassed throughout.
Chelsea controlled the game, and despite having chances to add more goals in the second half, the match ended without further incident.
Manager Enzo Maresca gave debuts to teenagers Kiano Dyer, Shumaira Mheuka, and Ato Ampah in the second half.
The win leaves Chelsea top of their group, ahead of Legia Warsaw, who can only surpass them with a seven-goal win over Lugano.
Astana, on the other hand, are now in 24th place on goal difference and are likely to fall out of the knockout spots after the completion of matchday five, with their next fixture against APOEL Nicosia looming.
Article updated 1 month ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
