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Chelsea FC is close to the UEFA Conference League final after a strong semi-final first leg win against Djurgården. The Blues are just one game away from possibly winning their first European trophy since the Champions League in 2021.
DOMINANT SEMI-FINAL PERFORMANCE
The London club controlled the game in Stockholm, taking a solid 4-1 lead in the first leg of the semi-final. Noni Madueke starred with Chelsea’s second goal just before halftime. The Blues were in control the entire match. Manager Enzo Maresca even replaced Enzo Fernandez with star midfielder Cole Palmer in the second half, showing their depth.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This great result continues Chelsea’s strong European season. The Blues have already knocked out FC Copenhagen and Legia Warszawa to reach the semi-finals. If Chelsea wins the next game, they’ll move on to the Conference League final on May 28, three days before the Champions League final in Munich. This European success is a bright spot in a tough domestic season, as Chelsea is currently seventh in the Premier League, five points behind sixth-placed Tottenham.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Chelsea will host Djurgården at Stamford Bridge next Thursday for the crucial second leg. With a comfortable two-goal lead, the Blues are favorites to advance. If they reach the final, they’ll meet the winner of the other semi-final between Real Betis and Fiorentina, with Betis winning their first leg. But before that, Chelsea has an important Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, as they try to keep their hopes of European qualification for next season alive.
