Match report: Astana 1-3 Chelsea: 

astana vs chelsea: Chelsea have comfortably advanced to the UEFA Conference League Round of 16, thanks to three first-half goals that made a significant impact in Kazakhstan.

Goals from Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga, and an own goal propelled a young Chelsea team to a 3-1 win against FC Astana.

Chelsea clinched their spot in the knockout stages of the UEFA Conference League with a win over FC Astana on a chilly night in Kazakhstan.

The West London team wasted no time, breaking the deadlock just 14 minutes in when Marc Guiu skilfully maneuver into the Astana penalty area and finished from close range.

Only four minutes later, the Blues extended their lead as Pedro Neto’s cross was inadvertently turned into the net by Astana defender Aleksandr Marochkin. Both Neto and Guiu had opportunities in the first half to increase Chelsea’s lead but were unable to convert.

As the first half drew to a close, Renato Veiga made it 3-0 for the visitors, heading in a corner taken by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Despite being down 3-0, the home team found a way back into the match with a curling shot from forward Marin Tomasov.

The second half saw fewer chances, with Chelsea unable to extend their lead despite dominating possession, while Astana struggled to find their rhythm.

Nevertheless, the Blues secured the victory, maintaining their perfect record in Europe and marking six consecutive wins across all competitions. Next up for Enzo Maresca’s squad is a West London derby at home against Brentford on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Astana will travel to Cyprus to take on APOEL in their final league phase match, needing three points to secure a place in the play-off round.

Story of Match (astana vs chelsea)

FC Astana manager Grigoriy Babayan made two adjustments to the lineup that drew 1-1 with Vitoria de Guimaraes. Mukhammejan Seisen took over from Josip Condric in goal, while in midfield, Nazmi Gripshi was replaced by Aleksandr Marochkin.

On the other hand, Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca opted for a young squad for the journey to Kazakhstan, giving starts to promising players Josh Acheampong, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, and Tyrique George.

A total of five changes were made to the starting eleven that secured a 2-0 victory over Heidenheim. Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku were both left at home, with Pedro Neto and Carney Chukwuemeka stepping in for them.

The first opportunity of the match came to the visitors after eight minutes, as Pedro Neto cut inside but saw his shot saved by Seisen.

Not long after, the Blues took the lead in Almaty. Neto sent the ball down the line to Marc Guiu, who advanced into the penalty area and fired it past the goalkeeper.

Things got even better for Chelsea just four minutes later, as they made it 2-0. Neto continued to pose a threat on the right flank, delivering a cross aimed at Guiu, but the ball ended up in the net off Marochkin’s foot.

The away side kept pressing and nearly scored a third when Neto unleashed a powerful shot that the goalkeeper managed to parry away. Guiu then had a chance to add a second goal but unfortunately shot wide of the target.

On the other end, Astana had a rare opportunity as forward Geoffrey Chinedu took a shot that went straight at Filip Jorgensen.

Chelsea continued to challenge the Astana defense, with Carney Chukwuemeka making a run into the penalty area, but his deflected shot was saved by Seisen.

It was from the resulting corner that the Blues found their third goal. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered a cross aimed at the towering Renato Veiga, who headed it in for his second goal in a Chelsea shirt.

Just a minute before the break, the home team managed to score a stunning goal. Marin Tomasov skillfully navigated into the penalty area and curled the ball into the back of the net.

As the second half approached, Maresca made his first substitution, bringing on 18-year-old Ato Ampah for Pedro Neto, marking Ampah’s debut for Chelsea.

With an hour gone in Almaty, the visitors nearly added a fourth goal through Tyrique George, but the young player’s shot was cleared off the line.

Chukwuemeka took a shot at the goalkeeper, but his effort from the edge of the area was easily handled by Seisen. This marked the midfielder’s final contribution, as he was soon substituted for Harvey Vale.

Next up was 17-year-old Shumaira Mheuka, who came off the bench for Chelsea, making her the 15th youngest player to represent the club.

The second half saw a significant drop in chances, with the Blues failing to extend their lead, while Astana offered little threat to the Chelsea defense.

Player of the Match: Marc Guiu

After a rocky beginning at Chelsea, young Spanish forward Marc Guiu is starting to find his footing at Stamford Bridge with impressive performances in Europe.

The 18-year-old netted the opening goal with a well-placed shot and contributed to the second goal as well. Guiu has been a constant threat to the Astana defense, which found it difficult to contain him.

His confidence is clearly on the rise, and he will be eager to keep adding to his goal tally for the club.