Chelsea maintained their flawless record in the Conference League as they defeated Copenhagen 1-0 on Thursday, sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory and booking their place in the quarter-finals.
Despite pre-match expectations of Chelsea dominance, Copenhagen were on top in the first half, creating all of the chances while the Blues failed to register a single shot, but the scores remained level heading into the break with everything still to play for in the second half.
The Blues, with the introduction of Cole Palmer, were immediately more effective in attack after the restart, quickly taking the lead within 10 minutes as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall skipped past several defenders and fired a brilliant finish into the bottom right corner, securing a strong two-goal advantage in the tie for Chelsea.
Chelsea asserted their authority on the match following the opener, limiting Copenhagen to just four shots in the final 35 minutes, and the Blues held on to their 1-0 lead to secure the aggregate victory and move into the quarter-finals of the Conference League.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
There were expectations that Chelsea would stroll past Copenhagen in tonight's second leg, but the Blues mustered an extremely underwhelming first 45 minutes as they failed to register a single shot against the Danish side.
However, the visitors were unable to capitalise on their first-half chances, and Chelsea, with the introduction of Cole Palmer at the break, were significantly improved in the second half.
Enzo Maresca may be slightly concerned on the reliance of Chelsea's attack on Palmer, but the victory is ultimately all that matters for the Italian manager, with the Blues extending their flawless Conference League record as they move into the quarter-finals.
CHELSEA VS. COPENHAGEN HIGHLIGHTS
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall goal vs. Copenhagen (55th min, Chelsea 1-0 Copenhagen)
Chelsea are ahead, Dewsbury-Hall that is brilliant!
The ball pinballs around inside the Copenhagen half and breaks for Dewsbury-Hall, who quickly twists and turns between three defenders and towards the box.
A loose touch kindly bounces back to him inside the Copenhagen area, and the midfielder fires his effort across the keeper and into the far right corner, a superb individual goal.
MAN OF THE MATCH - KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL
In a game that featured very little quality in the final third, Dewsbury-Hall's moment of magic stands out as the highlight of the clash, certainly deserving of the man of the match award.
The midfielder was an attacking force for Chelsea throughout the 90 minutes, not only scoring the winning goal but also making three key passes.
Birger Meling also deserves mention for Copenhagen, undoubtedly their biggest threat as the defender created two big chances for his side to get back into the tie.
CHELSEA VS. COPENHAGEN MATCH STATS
Possession: Chelsea 54%-46% Copenhagen
Shots: Chelsea 11-5 Copenhagen
Shots on target: Chelsea 5-0 Copenhagen
Corners: Chelsea 0-3 Copenhagen
Fouls: Chelsea 4-4 Copenhagen
WHAT NEXT?
Chelsea's focus will now return to their fight to finish inside the top four in the Premier League, with Arsenal awaiting them at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
As for Copenhagen, they will aim to reclaim the top spot in the Danish Superliga standings as they travel to take on Viborg on Sunday afternoon.
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