Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the decisive goal as Chelsea secured a place in the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 second-leg victory over Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge.
With a 2-1 aggregate lead from the first leg, Enzo Maresca’s side produced an uninspiring first-half display, failing to register a single shot and drawing boos from the home crowd at halftime.
However, Dewsbury-Hall’s second-half strike was enough to seal a 3-1 aggregate win, setting up a last-eight clash with Legia Warsaw.
Dewsbury-Hall Delivers as Chelsea Improve After Poor First Half
Chelsea were second-best in the opening 45 minutes, struggling to match Copenhagen’s energy and attacking intent.
The Danish side showed no fear at Stamford Bridge but lacked quality in the final third, failing to make their dominance count.
Maresca turned to Cole Palmer at halftime, introducing the England international to provide a much-needed spark.
The substitution paid off, with Chelsea sharper in possession and more threatening going forward.
Ten minutes into the second half, Dewsbury-Hall weaved through two defenders on the edge of the box before finishing clinically into the bottom corner, giving Chelsea a crucial cushion.
Palmer, despite enduring a 10-game goal drought, came close to scoring, firing just wide after a driving run.
Copenhagen failed to seriously trouble Chelsea, with their best chance arriving in stoppage time when Rodrigo Huescas blazed over from inside the box.
Chelsea’s European Ambitions Remain Alive
Chelsea’s performance may not have been convincing, but progression to the quarter-finals keeps their hopes of silverware alive.
Speaking to in the post match interview, Dewsbury-Hall emphasized the club’s winning mentality:
“Chelsea has won the Champions League, the Europa League—it would be stupid of us to say we can’t win this. It’s not arrogance, we just know the quality we have in the squad.”
Maresca, too, reiterated Chelsea’s desire to add to their trophy cabinet:
“This club always won trophies in the past, and we need to do our best to achieve our target this season. We have to give to the fans and the club a title.”
Chelsea will now turn their attention to Legia Warsaw in the quarter-finals, as they continue their pursuit of the club’s first-ever Conference League trophy.
UEFA Conference League Quarterfinals Fixtures
Lech vs Fiorentina
Gent vs West Ham
Anderlecht vs AZ Alkmaar
Basel vs Nice
NB: RSC Anderlecht’s match was been reversed in accordance with the principles set by the Club Competitions Committee.
