Chelsea Survive Servette Scare to Advance in Europe

Chelsea advanced to the league phase of the Europa Conference League despite a 2-1 loss to Servette in the second leg of their qualifying play-off, securing a 3-2 aggregate win. Enzo Maresca’s side had led 2-0 after the first leg at Stamford Bridge and they extended that lead when Christopher Nkunku converted a penalty in the 14th minute after Mykhailo Mudryk was fouled by Keigo Tsunemoto.

Servette fought back, with Jeremy Guillemenot pulling one back in the 32nd minute and Enzo Crivelli heading in from a Miroslav Stevanovic cross to give the Swiss side the lead on the night. Despite a late push, Chelsea held on, narrowly avoiding extra time when Timothe Cognat missed a late chance for Servette. Chelsea’s qualification for the league phase provides valuable game time for fringe players.

This is crucial for Maresca, who must manage a large squad following heavy transfer activity. Notably absent from the match were Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell both potential departures ahead of the transfer deadline. Chelsea’s presence in the Conference League, Europe’s third-tier competition, follows a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season which led to Mauricio Pochettino’s dismissal.

With the group stage draw set for Friday, Chelsea will face six different opponents, three at home and three away, in their bid to progress further. Noni Madueke, in good form after scoring a hat-trick against Wolves and earning his first England call-up was among Chelsea’s standout players.

Despite Servette’s spirited efforts, Chelsea’s resilience ensured their progress in Europe allowing Maresca to manage squad depth and rotation for the upcoming campaign.