Chelsea secured their first win under new manager Enzo Maresca, earning a 2-0 victory against Swiss side Servette in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League play-offs.
The triumph at Stamford Bridge provided a much-needed boost for the Blues, following a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign.
The match remained deadlocked at 0-0 throughout a tense first half, as Chelsea struggled to break down Servette’s disciplined defense.
Despite dominating possession, the hosts found it difficult to create clear-cut chances, with the Swiss side proving resilient.
However, Chelsea emerged from the break with renewed determination. Just minutes into the second half, French forward Christopher Nkunku won a penalty after a clumsy challenge in the box. Stepping up to the spot, Nkunku calmly converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and giving Maresca his first official goal as Chelsea manager.
Although Servette managed more attempts on goal, registering 22 shots to Chelsea’s 14, it was the Blues who proved more clinical.
The hosts doubled their lead when Noni Madueke latched onto a perfectly timed long pass, expertly controlling the ball before unleashing a powerful shot into the back of the net.
The scoreline could have been even more emphatic, as young Spanish striker Marc Guiu missed a golden opportunity to extend Chelsea’s advantage.
After being played through on goal with only the keeper to beat, the 18-year-old inexplicably sent his effort wide of the target.
This win provides Chelsea with a vital cushion as they head into the second leg of the Conference League play-off in Switzerland.
Before then, the Blues will shift their focus back to the Premier League, where they will face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
