Europa Conference: Chelsea Extend Lead To Qualify For Last-16 After Thrashing Astana In Kazakhstan

 

Chelsea secured their place in the UEFA Conference League last-16 with an awesome display in Kazakhstan and thrashed Astana 3-1 away from home.

Chelsea moved ahead for a promising victory as Marc Guiu's effort with a great solo run that beas Mukhammedzhan for the opening goal before Aleksandr Marochkin scored an own goal and the Blues moved clear in the lead by two goals. Renato Veiga extended the lead with the third goal drilling a long-range shot home in the latter stages of the first half. 

However, even with the goals that put Chelsea ahead for a comfortable lead, Astana were yet more of a threat throughout the second half. Chelsea maintained possession of the game and limited and kept the Kazakhstans at bay. Eventually, the hosts found a leeway as Marin Tomasov pulled one back, steering a shot home from inside the box. 

The Blues' playing against Astana was historic as that was the club's longest-ever journey to a European match. Still, Enzo Maresca was confident of a favorable game, left his first-team squad behind, and gave his promising youngsters the chance to debut.

The Blues currently hold the top position of the group league standings and have maintained an unbeaten run from the start of the campaign. As the table leaders, the Blues are guaranteed to qualify for the knockout stages. Astana remained in the elimination zone in the 28th position.