Chelsea saw off FC Copenhagen with a 1-0 victory in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 second leg on Thursday. The only goal of the game was scored by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Having also won the first leg last week, the Blues secured their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 aggregate score.
With this win, Chelsea became the first team ever to qualify for the quarter-finals of all UEFA tournaments.
Here are the positives and negatives from the match:
Positives
1. Improved Second-Half Performance
After failing to register a single shot on target in the first half, Chelsea had 11 attempts in the second, with five of them hitting the target. They also exerted greater control over possession, making the improvement even more necessary after a disappointing opening 45 minutes.
The introduction of players like Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer played a significant role in shifting the momentum. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who had struggled in the first half, looked much better in the second. He contributed at both ends of the pitch and showed renewed confidence when he weaved past the Copenhagen defense to score the decisive goal.
The second half was a testament to the team’s ability to turn the tide in their favor despite a difficult start. It also highlighted the trust the players have in Enzo Maresca, who managed to influence the team at halftime. The way Chelsea finished the match should have a positive impact on their upcoming fixtures.