Stamford Bridge, London – In a highly anticipated UEFA Conference League 2024 play-off first leg, Chelsea showcased their strength and tactical superiority with a convincing 2-0 victory over Swiss side Servette. The match, held at Stamford Bridge, saw the home team take control in the second half, securing a vital advantage ahead of the second leg in Switzerland.
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UEFA Conference League 2024 Play-Offs Chelsea vs Servette First Half
The opening half was a demonstration of disciplined football, with both teams engaging in a tactical battle. Chelsea, under the management of Enzo Maresca, dominated possession but found it difficult to penetrate Servette’s well-organized defense. The Swiss team, coached by Thomas Häberli, opted for a cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks.
Despite Chelsea’s relentless pressure, clear-cut chances were few and far between. Servette’s defense, anchored by Tsunemoto and Rouiller, effectively nullified Chelsea’s attacking threats, particularly from wide areas. Chelsea’s best opportunity of the half came from a corner in the 35th minute, where Renato Veiga’s powerful header narrowly missed the goal.
Servette, on the other hand, relied on counter-attacks to catch Chelsea off-guard but lacked the final pass or finish to capitalize on their opportunities. Their closest attempt came in the 42nd minute when Douline’s long-range effort was comfortably saved by Chelsea’s goalkeeper Jørgensen.
Chelsea vs Servette Half-Time Stats
- Total Attempts: Chelsea 8 – 10 Servette
- Attempts on Target: Chelsea 3 – 4 Servette
- Corners: Chelsea 3 – 7 Servette
- Yellow Cards: Chelsea 0 – 1 Servette (Cognat, 53′)
UEFA Conference League 2024 Play-Offs Chelsea vs Servette Second Half
Chelsea returned from the half-time break with a renewed sense of urgency. Their efforts paid off just five minutes into the second half. A handball by a Servette defender in the box led to a penalty, which Christopher Nkunku coolly converted, giving Chelsea a 1-0 lead. The goal sparked a shift in momentum, with Chelsea taking full control of the match.
Servette struggled to regain their composure after conceding, and Chelsea capitalized on this. The introduction of fresh legs in the form of Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer provided Chelsea with additional attacking impetus. Madueke, in particular, was a constant threat down the right flank, using his pace and dribbling skills to unsettle the Servette defense.
In the 76th minute, Madueke doubled Chelsea’s lead with a well-placed shot after a slick passing move involving Enzo Fernández. The Argentine midfielder’s precise assist allowed Madueke to find space inside the box, and he made no mistake, slotting the ball past the Servette goalkeeper.
Servette made several substitutions in an attempt to get back into the game, but Chelsea’s defense, marshaled by Disasi and Badiashile, remained resolute. Despite a few late attempts from the visitors, Chelsea maintained their two-goal lead until the final whistle.
Chelsea vs Servette Full-Time Stats
- Total Attempts: Chelsea 16 – 19 Servette
- Attempts on Target: Chelsea 5 – 8 Servette
- Corners: Chelsea 3 – 7 Servette
- Yellow Cards: Chelsea 1 (Dewsbury-Hall, 90+3′) – 1 Servette (Cognat, 53′)
Chelsea vs Servette Lineups
Chelsea (Coach: Enzo Maresca):
- Goalkeeper: Jørgensen
- Defense: Disasi, Adarabioyo, Badiashile
- Midfield: Pedro Neto, Mudryk, Nkunku, Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo, Veiga
- Forward: Guiu
Chelsea lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, emphasizing wide play and overlapping runs from the wing-backs. Nkunku and Dewsbury-Hall played pivotal roles in linking the midfield with the attack, while the defensive trio of Disasi, Adarabioyo, and Badiashile provided stability at the back.
Servette (Coach: Thomas Häberli):
- Goalkeeper: Frick
- Defense: Tsunemoto, Rouiller, Ondoua, Mazikou
- Midfield: Cognat, Stevanović, Kutesa, Severin, Douline
- Forward: Crivelli
Servette adopted a 4-5-1 formation, with Crivelli operating as the lone striker. The midfield five focused on crowding the central areas and limiting Chelsea’s space to maneuver. However, they struggled to maintain their defensive shape in the second half as Chelsea’s pressure intensified.
Key Substitutions:
- Chelsea:
- Palmer for Guiu (57′)
- Fernández for Nkunku (57′)
- Madueke for Pedro Neto (57′)
- Gusto for Disasi (78′)
- Lavia for Caicedo (84′)
- Servette:
- Antunes for Stevanović (61′)
- Guillemenot for Crivelli (61′)
- Magnin for Kutesa (69′)
- Vonmoos for Douline (69′)
- Ouattara for Cognat (85′)
Yellow and Red Cards
- Chelsea:
- Dewsbury-Hall received a yellow card in the 90+3 minute for a late challenge.
- Servette:
- Cognat was booked in the 53rd minute for a foul on Mudryk.
Chelsea in the Driver’s Seat
Chelsea’s 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge puts them in a strong position to progress to the group stages of the UEFA Conference League. The Blues will travel to Switzerland for the second leg with a comfortable lead, knowing that another solid performance could secure their place in the next round.
For Servette, the challenge now lies in overturning the deficit on home soil. They showed resilience and moments of quality but will need a more clinical approach in front of goal if they are to keep their European dreams alive.
Stay tuned for more updates, match previews, and in-depth analysis as the UEFA Conference League 2024 continues.
