Chelsea kicked off their UEFA Conference League campaign with an impressive 4-2 victory against KAA Gent, showcasing the depth of their squad.
Newcomers Renato Veiga and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall both netted their first goals for the club, contributing to a strong team performance.
From the outset, Chelsea dominated the match, taking an early lead just 12 minutes in when Veiga headed home.
The pressure continued into the second half, with Pedro Neto doubling Chelsea’s advantage with a stunning volley just two minutes after the break.
However, Gent responded quickly, capitalizing on defensive lapses in the 50th minute.
Tsuyoshi Watanabe found the net with a powerful header, giving Gent a glimmer of hope.
Chelsea swiftly countered, as Christopher Nkunku restored the two-goal cushion shortly thereafter, skillfully slotting the ball past goalkeeper Davy Roef.
Dewsbury-Hall capped off Chelsea’s scoring in the 70th minute, taking advantage of a loose ball to find the net.
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Despite Chelsea’s commanding lead, Gent refused to concede defeat, with substitute Omri Gandelman scoring in stoppage time for a late consolation.
This match marked Chelsea’s fifth consecutive victory in all competitions, highlighting their momentum and readiness for a challenging schedule ahead.
The depth of Chelsea’s squad was on full display, with players like Dewsbury-Hall, Neto, Joao Felix, and Mykhailo Mudryk stepping up to secure the win.
As Chelsea prepares for demanding fixtures, including clashes with Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Manchester United, the performance from their supporting cast could prove crucial in the weeks to come.
Chelsea’s strong start in the UEFA Conference League not only boosts their confidence but also sets a positive tone for their upcoming challenges, reinforcing their status as favorites in the tournament.
PLAYER RATINGS
Chelsea:
Jorgensen 6, Disasi 6, Tosin 6, Badiashile 6, Veiga 7, Casadei 7, Dewsbury-Hall 9, Neto 8, Felix 7, Mudryk 7, Nkunku 7
Subs:
Guiu 6, George 6
Gent:
Roef 6, Torunarigha 5, Watanabe 6, Mitrovic 6, Gambor 6, Ito 6, Delorge 6, Brown 7, Surdez 6, Gudjohnsen 7, Fadiga 6
Subs:
Araujo 6, Dean 7, Gandelman 7, Kums 6, Samoise N/A
