UEFA Europa Conference League: Chelsea hang on to claim vital win in Denmark

Conference League favourites Chelsea have the advantage after the first leg of their last-16 tie against Copenhagen, earning a narrow 2-1 win at Parken on Thursday.

Though Gabriel Pereira set up a nervy finish for the Blues, second-half strikes from Reece James and Enzo Fernandez were enough to earn the win.

Copenhagen made a bright start, with Robert Sanchez denying Elias Achouri in the opening four minutes, but the game slowed after that, with Chelsea failing to register a shot on target in the first half.

However, a lightning-quick start to the second saw them take control of the game as James met Marc Cucurella’s cutback to drive a long-range strike into the back of the net just 56 seconds after the restart.

Viktor Claesson’s angled strike bounced off the inside of the post moments later, before Chelsea doubled their lead, Tyrique George setting up substitute Fernandez to guide a finish in.

Chelsea were caught out by a free-kick in the 79th minute as Pereira rose to direct Marcos Lopez’s cross past Sanchez, but Copenhagen could not find a late equaliser.

Despite Chelsea holding a one-goal advantage going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge, a game of few chances was even tighter than the scoreline suggests.

Both teams had five shots, with two of those on target, while Copenhagen just edged the expected goals battle with Chelsea’s, according to stats in the game.

While Chelsea dominated the possession (62.4%), they were well-matched in the final third, and Enzo Maresca will be looking for a much-improved performance next Thursday. 

The tie somehow still looks open despite the slender win, Maresca men will have at the back of their minds on how to start on a front foot if they are to progress into the last eight.