Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory against Servette at Stamford Bridge in the Europa Conference League playoff round first leg, the first win of Enzo Maresca's tenure, to leave them with the advantage heading into next week's second leg in Switzerland.
The first half almost got off to the perfect start for the hosts, as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall played the ball through to Marc Guiu, who rounded the keeper but lost his balance at the vital moment.
Chelsea continued on the front foot in the following minutes, but Servette quickly found their footing in the match and surprisingly took control, playing much of the subsequent 40 minutes in Chelsea's half.
Neither side were able to create any other chances of note though, leaving the two heading into half time with the scores level after an underwhelming first 45 minutes.
The Blues flew out of the blocks after the restart, taking the lead from the penalty spot in the 50th minute, thanks to Christopher Nkunku's good footwork inside the box.
Chelsea could have been two ahead just minutes later as Guiu had another golden opportunity, stealing the ball from the goalkeeper and having the whole goal to aim at, only for Frick to make two miraculous saves to keep Servette in the game.
The visitors continued their pressure in the second half but failed to find the final ball, with Chelsea putting the nail in the coffin with 15 minutes remaining as Noni Madueke came off the bench to add a second.
CHELSEA VS. SERVETTE HIGHLIGHTS
Christopher Nkunku goal vs. Servette (49th min, Chelsea 1-0 Servette)
Nkunku strikes us into the lead. 🇫🇷#CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/v9oc3mO3Yw
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 22, 2024
Dewsbury-Hall plays the role of creator for Chelsea as he plays an inviting pass through to Christopher Nkunku, who is brought down by the onrushing Jeremy Frick and wins Chelsea a penalty.
The Frenchman steps up to take the penalty and makes no mistake from the spot as he fires into the bottom left corner, giving the keeper no chance.
Noni Madueke goal vs. Servette (76th min, Chelsea 2-0 Servette)
A fine team goal. 🔥@NoniMadueke_ ✨#CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/sMKyRQDzrX
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 22, 2024
The ball is fizzed into Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park, and the midfielder takes one touch before floating the ball over the top into Madueke, who is running towards goal.
The winger takes one touch with his left foot before firing a right-footed shot past the goalkeeper at his near post and into the roof of the net, giving Chelsea a two-goal advantage.
MAN OF THE MATCH - KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL
© Imago
The midfielder showed his quality in the middle of the park for Chelsea today, instrumental in the majority of positive moves that the hosts made throughout the game.
Dewsbury-Hall not only played the ball through for Nkunku to win the penalty but could have had an assist after just two minutes had Guiu converted after rounding the goalkeeper.
That performance, including three key passes, would have put the midfielder into the brain of Maresca ahead of Chelsea's trip to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend, potentially earning him a place in the starting side.
CHELSEA VS. SERVETTE MATCH STATS
Possession: Chelsea 59%-41% Servette
Shots: Chelsea 14-22 Servette
Shots on target: Chelsea 7-6 Servette
Corners: Chelsea 4-8 Servette
Fouls: Chelsea 6-7 Servette
WHAT NEXT?
The 2-0 result leaves Chelsea in a favourable position ahead of the second leg in Switzerland next week, but Maresca's men will first need to navigate a difficult away trip against Wolves in the Premier League this weekend.
Unlike their opponents, Servette are not due back in domestic action until September, granting them a full week to focus on preparing for the second leg, where they will be aiming to get back into the tie.
Ellis Stevens
