The Blues were defeated in the match, but they still managed to progress in the Conference League.
Christopher Nkunku’s goal was the difference as Chelsea survived a scare in Geneva to secure their place in the UEFA Conference League. Despite a 2-1 loss to Servette, the Blues won the tie 3-2 on aggregate on Thursday night.
Enzo Maresca’s side had a comfortable 3-0 aggregate lead at one point, but a two-goal surge from Servette made for a nervy finish. However, Chelsea’s 2-0 win in the first leg at Stamford Bridge proved to be enough to see them through to the league stage.
Nkunku was the hero for Chelsea, scoring their only goal of the game with a first-half penalty. He was also their primary attacking outlet throughout the match, although the Blues failed to convert their dominance into more goals.
Now, Maresca’s focus will shift to the league phase draw, where Chelsea will discover their opponents for the next stage of the competition.
The opening 15 minutes signaled a comfortable night for Chelsea, with Nkunku’s penalty giving them a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute. However, Servette fought back and found an equalizer in the 32nd minute through Jeremy Guillemenot.
The second half started with Servette threatening, but Chelsea managed to maintain control despite a few chances for the hosts. However, Servette’s Enzo Crivelli headed in their second goal of the night, setting up a tense finish.
Chelsea had a chance to seal the tie in the 83rd minute, but Cole Palmer’s shot hit the bar. Servette pressed for a third goal to force extra time, but Chelsea’s substitutions and the hosts’ fatigue ultimately worked in the Blues’ favor.
The match highlighted the depth of Chelsea’s squad, with Maresca able to bring on talented players like Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Moises Caicedo. Nkunku was named the Player of the Match for his goal and overall performance as Chelsea’s playmaker.
Match Ratings:
Chelsea: Jorgensen 6, Disasi 5, Adarabioyo 6, Badiashile 5, Veiga 5, Fernandez 6, Dewsbury-Hall 6, Madueke 6, Nkunku 7, Mudryk 6, Guiu 5
Subs: Caicedo 6, Palmer 7, George 6, Jackson 6
Servette: Mall 6, Tsunemoto 5, Rouiller 5, Severin 6, Mazikou 5, Cognat 6, Ondoua 6, Douline 5, Kutesa 7, Antunes 5, Guillemenot 7
Subs: Crivelli 7, Ouattara 6, Stevanovic 5, Von Moos 6
In the match highlights, Nkunku’s penalty gave Chelsea a 1-0 lead, while Guillemenot equalized for Servette. Crivelli then scored to make it 2-1, setting up a tense finale. Jackson’s goal was ruled out for offside, adding to the drama in the closing stages.