Chelsea Qualify for Conference League Despite Second-Leg Loss

Enzo Maresca’s side entered the second leg in Switzerland with a 2-0 lead from their first-leg victory at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea extended their aggregate advantage early on, with Christopher Nkunku converting a penalty in the 14th minute after Mykhailo Mudryk was fouled by Keigo Tsunemoto.

Servette responded with Jeremy Guillemenot slotting home a first-time shot across Filip Jorgensen after receiving a well-placed pass from Dereck Kutesa. The Swiss side then took the lead on the night when Enzo Crivelli headed in a cross from Miroslav Stevanovic.

Despite Servette's push for another goal that would have forced extra time, Chelsea held firm, securing a 3-2 aggregate win and advancing to the league phase of the Europa Conference League.

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Chelsea survive a scare to get the job done

Ahead of the match, Maresca expressed confidence that his team would avoid complacency despite their two-goal cushion. Chelsea nearly extended their lead just three minutes in when Enzo Fernandez unleashed a superb 25-yard strike, only for Joel Mall to tip it over the bar.

Nkunku once again converted from the penalty spot, putting Chelsea seemingly out of reach. However, Servette struck back through Jeremy Guillemenot, who scored with their first real chance in the 32nd minute, making it 1-1 on the night.

On a challenging pitch, Dereck Kutesa had an opportunity to score another for Servette, but his tight-angle effort was well saved by Jorgensen.

Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, who was called up to the England squad for the first time earlier on Thursday after a hat-trick against Wolves, had a promising chance in the second half but was denied by excellent defending.

Enzo Crivelli’s header set up a tense finish before Nicolas Jackson had a goal ruled out for offside, and Cole Palmer hit the crossbar. In the dying moments of added time, Servette nearly forced extra time, but Timothe Cognat dragged his shot wide, allowing Chelsea to hold on for a 3-2 aggregate win.

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