Chelsea Dealt Huge Setback To Djurgarden's UEL Final Bid

 

Noni Madueke with his teammates after scoring Chelsea's second goal in the rout of Djurgarden in the UEFA Europa League semi-final

Djurgarden regressed following a 1-4 defeat to Chelsea, giving the Blues an edge in the first leg of the Conference League semifinal. 

Having already achieved history by reaching a first-ever major European competition semi-final, the Swedish outfit Djurgarden faced their toughest challenge as they hosted two-time UEFA Champions League winners, Chelsea. 

Chelsea moved into the lead, taking a two-goal lead in the first half. Jadon Sancho opened the scoresheet when his shot was deflected into the net, and Noni Madueke doubled the lead, blasting home Endo Fernandes' pass from inside the box. 

Nicolas Jackson added two more goals midway through the second half before the Swedish side pulled one back from Isak Alexander's effort. Djurgården got trashed by the visitors, who earned the victory by four goals to one

Anything short of winning the Conference League would be disappointing for Chelsea, who continue to battle for a spot in the Champions League next season. Over the weekend, they made it five straight Premier League matches unbeaten with a 1-0 victory over Everton. 

Returning to winning ways on Scandinavian shores was an expectation rather than a hope, as Chelsea have never lost against Swedish opposition. Having progressed, Chelsea also took inspiration from their solid record across European Leagues.