Chelsea have done it again on the European stage. With a commanding 5-1 aggregate win over Swedish side Djurgården, Chelsea booked their place in the Europa Conference League final, continuing their legacy as one of London’s top European performers.
In a match that lacked drama but not promise, it was Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who scored the only goal of the night at Stamford Bridge, ensuring that the Blues progressed with confidence and composure.
For manager Enzo Maresca, reaching the final in his debut season is not just an achievement—it’s a must if he is to convince the board he’s the right man for the future.
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Few clubs in England boast a European trophy cabinet as packed as Chelsea’s. Two Champions League titles, two Europa Leagues, and now a shot at adding a Conference League crown to their growing list of honours.
While some may consider the third-tier UEFA tournament beneath clubs of Chelsea’s stature, the Blues approached this campaign with professionalism, and the results speak for themselves.
This will be Chelsea’s eighth European final—and with six titles already in the bag, there’s every reason to believe they can lift another trophy in Wroclaw later this month.
Dewsbury-Hall Seals the Deal
The first leg in Sweden had already set the tone. Chelsea won 4-1 away, meaning Thursday night’s return leg at Stamford Bridge was more about finishing the job than staging a comeback.
Still, Chelsea showed no signs of complacency. The only goal of the game came in the 38th minute, when 19-year-old forward Tyrique George turned sharply and fed Dewsbury-Hall, who calmly slotted the ball into the far corner. It was a moment of class, showing both the senior player’s composure and the youth setup’s growing influence.
Dewsbury-Hall, who joined Chelsea at the beginning of the season, has grown into a reliable midfield option, and his latest goal is further proof of the value he brings to Maresca’s system.
Youth at the Heart of Chelsea’s Win
Beyond the result, what truly stood out in this match was Chelsea’s use of youth. Reggie Walsh, just 16 years old and still preparing for his GCSEs, made history as the youngest player to start a European match for the Blues. The teenager played the full 90 minutes and showed maturity far beyond his years.
He wasn’t the only one. In total, five teenagers featured in the match, including Shumaira Mheuka and Genesis Antwi, the latter facing the club of his birth city. Manager Maresca was full of praise after the match:
“Fantastic for the academy, fantastic for the future,” he said. “These players are part of the long-term vision at Chelsea, and they proved today they can perform on big nights.”
Captain Reece James, returning to fitness, was seen offering guidance and encouragement to the youngsters throughout the game, reinforcing the sense that this is a team building not just for now, but for seasons to come.
Stamford Bridge Lights Up
The match may have lacked high stakes, but the atmosphere was anything but dull. Djurgården’s travelling fans brought energy, flares, and loud anthems, adding a festival feel to the tie. Even with their team outclassed over two legs, they celebrated their campaign with pride, earning applause from the home crowd in return.
Chelsea’s fans, meanwhile, were treated to a glimpse of what the future might look like—young stars, dominant football, and another European final.
Wroclaw Awaits: Betis vs Chelsea
Next up, Chelsea will face Real Betis in the final on 28 May. For Maresca, it’s a personal showdown—he’ll go up against Manuel Pellegrini, the man he calls his “professional dad.”
It’s a compelling narrative: a young manager trying to carve his path against his mentor, with silverware on the line. Betis edged out Fiorentina in the other semi-final and will not be pushovers. But Chelsea, with their mix of experience and youth, look like a team ready to end the season on a high.
A win would also solidify Maresca’s place at the club, especially with ownership pushing for Champions League qualification next season.
