Chelsea secure UEFA Conference League Final berth after victory over Djurgarden

Chelsea have booked their place in the final of the UEFA Conference League following a 1-0 triumph over Swedish side Djurgarden on Thursday, completing a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate victory in their semi-final encounter.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall netted the sole goal of the match at Stamford Bridge late in the first half, while 16-year-old Reggie Walsh made history by becoming the youngest player to start a European fixture for Chelsea.

The Blues now have the chance to become the first club to win all three of UEFA’s current major competitions, should they overcome either Fiorentina or Real Betis in Wroclaw on 28th May.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made several alterations to the squad that defeated Liverpool in the Premier League last weekend, with defender Marc Cucurella the only player to retain his spot in the starting line-up. Despite criticism for his cautious tactical approach, Maresca has kept Chelsea in fifth place in the Premier League, maintaining their quest for Champions League qualification.

Teenager Reggie Walsh, who made his debut from the bench during the first-leg 4-1 triumph in Stockholm, was given a starting role in the return leg as approximately 6,000 Djurgarden supporters travelled to London to cheer on their team.

Chelsea dominated proceedings in the first half, with Dewsbury-Hall and Tyrique George both testing Djurgarden goalkeeper Jacob Rinne before George set up Dewsbury-Hall to fire home the opener in the 38th minute, finishing a well-worked move by striking in off the post.

Dewsbury-Hall later squandered an opportunity to double the advantage, while Djurgarden posed little threat, their most notable effort being a long-range attempt from Daniel Stensson, which Chelsea’s Filip Jorgensen tipped over the crossbar.

Chelsea, who last claimed a major trophy in 2021 with their Champions League victory, now aim to secure their first piece of silverware under Todd Boehly’s ownership group, which succeeded Roman Abramovich’s regime three years ago.