Astana v Chelsea LIVE: Conference League result as Blues ease to victory
Astana 1-3 Chelsea: Enzo Maresca’s youngsters earn fine win in Kazakhstan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea secured their place in the Uefa Conference League last-16 with a fine display in Kazakhstan as they defeated Astana 3-1 away from home.
After victories in their firsr four matches in this competition, Enzo Maresca decided to leave the bulk of his first team squad in London and handed debuts to promising youngster including Josh Acheampong.
One of the young stars to benefit was Marc Guiu who netted twice in the first half as a dominant Chelsea cruised into the lead. A third goal from Renato Veiga put the match beyond doubt despite Marin Tomasov pulling one back for the hosts.
Astana were more of a threat throughout the second half but Chelsea controlled possession well and limited opportunities for them to score. The whistle went at 3-1 and the Blues come away with another crucial three points.
Relive the updates from the Conference League in our live blog below:
Astana 1-3 Chelsea
57 mins: Astana have decided to give it a go. They might be able to get themselves back into the match but surely there’ll be space opening up for Chelsea to exploit.
The youngsters need to manage the game well from here.
Astana 1-3 Chelsea
54 mins: Astana have offered more threat in the second half and look a lot more alert and intent to push high up the pitch. This is more of a test for Chelsea and another goal for the host could swing the momentum.
Astana 1-3 Chelsea
51 mins: Tomasov blazes another shot from range and forces a fine one-handed save from Filip Jorgensen who pushes the ball wide of the target.
Astana 1-3 Chelsea
48 mins: Enzo Maresca has made a change at the break and Pedro Neto is replaced with 18-year-old Ato Ampah. Chelsea’s average age for this team drops again.
Second half! Astana 1-3 Chelsea
The hosts kick off the second half with a desire to get themselves back in this match. Can they do so or with Chelsea run away with things?
Half-time! Astana 1-3 Chelsea
45+2 mins: There’s the whistle for half-time. Chelsea are controlled and composed. The Blues are on their way to securing an automatic qualifying spot in the Conference League.
GOAL! Astana 1-3 Chelsea (Marin Tomasov, 45’)
Out of nowhere!
Astana’s best period of the half comes just before the break. They work it over to the right side of the pitch before feeding it to Marin Tomasov.
He cuts inside of Renato Veiga then fizzes an effort at goal and beat Filip Jorgensen.
Astana 0-3 Chelsea
42 mins: Very professional and very controlled from Chelsea. Astana haven’t played for a couple of weeks and it shows. They’re off the pace and it’s only towards the back end of this half that they’ve shown a bit of intensity in possession.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments