Chelsea scrape through to Conference League group stages

Chelsea faced a challenging match against Servette, needing to protect a 2-0 lead from the first leg to secure their place in the Conference League group stages. The Blues started strong, with Christopher Nkunku converting a penalty early on, extending their aggregate lead to three goals. However, Servette responded fiercely, with Jeremy Guillemenot scoring to reduce the deficit. The match took a dramatic turn when Enzo Crivelli's header put Servette ahead in the second leg, leaving Chelsea anxious as they clung to their aggregate advantage. Despite the pressure, Chelsea had opportunities to regain control, with Nkunku and Noni Madueke both coming close to scoring. The first half saw Chelsea's defense tested, but they managed to hold off Servette's advances. As the match progressed, Chelsea's nerves were palpable, especially after Crivelli's goal, which set up a tense finish. The Blues needed to maintain composure to avoid a shocking exit from the competition. In the dying moments, Chelsea pushed for a goal to secure their aggregate lead, but Servette's goalkeeper, Joel Mall, made crucial saves to deny them. Chelsea's defense held firm, and they ultimately secured a 3-2 aggregate victory, allowing them to advance to the group stages of the Conference League for the first time in their history. This victory marked a significant achievement for the club, showcasing their resilience in a high-pressure situation. The match highlighted both the strengths and vulnerabilities of Chelsea's squad, as they navigated through a challenging tie. The experience gained from this encounter will be invaluable as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in the group stages, aiming to build on this success and establish themselves in European competition.