Chelsea’s progression to the group stage of the Conference League was marked by a tense and tumultuous encounter with Servette, where their overall 3-2 aggregate victory came with significant hurdles. The Blues, who secured a 2-0 win in the first leg at Stamford Bridge, found themselves under intense pressure following a 2-1 defeat in the second leg played in Switzerland.
First Leg: Chelsea dominated at home with a solid 2-0 victory against Servette, setting a strong foundation for the tie.
Second Leg: Despite taking an early lead through a goal from Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea faltered in the second leg, conceding two goals and resulting in a 2-1 loss. This left the aggregate score at 3-2 in Chelsea’s favor.
The outcome of the second leg sparked considerable criticism from both Chelsea’s fans and the opposition. Many were surprised and disappointed by Chelsea’s inability to secure a decisive victory against a team they were expected to defeat convincingly across both legs. The performance drew substantial backlash, with concerns about Chelsea’s form and their ability to handle pressure.
Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, expressed his concerns and reflections on the match. He noted the shift in dynamics after Servette managed to score, which altered the course of the game.
Maresca commented, “I think the first half an hour was comfortable and we had three or four chances to make it 2-0. Then we concede the goal and it’s normal to suffer a little bit. I was very worried about this game.”
He acknowledged the significance of the match for Servette, describing it as potentially their most important game of the season. “For them, it’s probably their biggest game of the season,” Maresca added, recognizing the added pressure and intensity Servette brought to the fixture.
Despite the challenging second leg, Chelsea’s advancement to the group stage of the Conference League marks a crucial step in their European campaign. As they move forward, the team will need to address the concerns raised and strengthen their performances to meet the expectations of their supporters and navigate the pressures of European competition.
