Blues Edge Past Servette in Conference League Thriller

Chelsea secured a crucial first-leg victory against Servette in their UEFA Conference League play-off tie, prevailing 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. A second-half penalty from Christopher Nkunku and a late strike from substitute Noni Madueke ensured the Blues took a valuable lead into the return leg in Geneva next week.

The game sprung to life after the interval. Following a period of intense pressure, Chelsea were awarded a penalty when Nkunku was brought down in the box. The Frenchman confidently converted the spot-kick, sending the home crowd into raptures with his first goal at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea nearly doubled their lead moments later. Marc Guiu's persistence led to a blocked clearance from Servette goalkeeper Jeremy Frick, but the young striker was unable to capitalise on the rebound. However, Madueke, introduced as a substitute shortly after the hour mark, did just that, latching onto a delightful pass from Enzo Fernandez and rifling a shot past Frick with a quarter-hour remaining.

Despite conceding two goals, Servette threatened throughout the match. Debutant goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen was called into action several times, while a late effort from substitute Tiemoko Ouattara struck the crossbar before being cleared away.

The Swiss side had a golden opportunity to pull one back in stoppage time. A corner found Steve Rouiller, whose header was inexplicably turned over from point-blank range by substitute Jeremy Guillemenot. Jorgensen then made another crucial save to deny Guillemenot a second time.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to the starting XI that faced Manchester City in the Premier League opener, handing debuts to Tosin Adarabioyo and Jorgensen. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto, Guiu, and Renato Veiga all started for the first time, having come off the bench in the previous match.

While the Blues dominated possession early on, Servette grew into the game and began to pose a threat. They were unlucky not to take the lead on the quarter-hour mark, when Dereck Kutesa's shot was well saved by Jorgensen.

Chelsea's dominance finally paid off in the second half. A combination of relentless pressure and Nkunku's finishing ability secured the win, but Pochettino will know that the tie is far from over. The Blues will need to be wary of a spirited Servette side in the return leg.

What's next?

The Blues face another tough test on Sunday when they travel to Molineux to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

Chelsea starting lineup (4-3-3): Jorgensen; Disasi (Gusto 78), Tosin, Badiashile, Veiga; Nkunku (Fernandez 57), Caicedo (c) (Lavia 84), Dewsbury-Hall; Neto (Madueke 57), Guiu (Palmer 57), Mudryk.

Substitutes not used: Bettinelli, Sanchez, Cucurella, Colwill, Jackson.

Scorers: Nkunku (pen) 50, Madueke 76.

Booked: Dewsbury-Hall 90+3.

Servette starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Frick (c); Tsunemoto, Rouiller, Severin, Mazikou; Douline (Vonmoos 61), Ondoua; Stevanovic (Antunes 61), Cognat (Ouattara 85), Kutesa (Magnin 69); Crivelli (Guillemenot 61).

Substitutes not used: Mall, Besson, Baron, Antunes, Sawadogo, Weber, Srdanovic, Frankhauser.

Referee: Jeremie Pignard (France).

Attendance: 37,902.