Chelsea achieved victory in their last match in the Europa League, beating FC Astana 3-1.
The Blues traveled with a weaker team to Kazakhstan, but still had enough to pick up three points.
Marc Guyot scored the first two goals for the visitors, the first a brilliant individual effort that ended with a side shot into the net.
He did it again five minutes later, latching on to a cross and beating the Astana keeper in the process.
Renato Vega scored himself before half-time, but Astana also pulled a goal back to add a touch of tension to the match.
However, the result was never in doubt as Chelsea finished off the second half.
Victory in Kazakhstan! 👊🔵#CFCs | #UECL pic.twitter.com/Xz5iygkm7v
– Chelsea (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
How did that happen?
The action started early as Chelsea's young side wasted no time in asserting themselves.
In the 14th minute, 18-year-old Marc Guyot opened the scoring with a wonderful individual effort. From the right, Guiu got past Marochkin before calmly slotting the ball past Seisen for his third European goal of the season.
Chelsea doubled their advantage after just four minutes.
Pedro Neto, lively on the wing, sent a low cross into the box after beating Vorogovsky.
Guiu rushed to the ball and forced Astana player Alexander Marochkin into an own goal. Although initially credited to Goyo, the goal underscored the constant pressure exerted by Chelsea in the early stages.
Astana, who had difficulties regaining his rhythm, succeeded in attacking from time to time but rarely threatened Chelsea's defence.
A first-half xG of just 0.08 reflects the difficulty they have in creating clear-cut chances.
Meanwhile, Chelsea kept up the pressure and reaped the rewards in the 39th minute. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sent in a precise corner kick that found Renato Vega unmarked, allowing the midfielder to head home for Chelsea's third goal.
Despite Chelsea's dominance, Astana succeeded in reducing the deficit before the end of the first half.
Love it, boys! #CFCs | #UECL pic.twitter.com/oV8Ci7vdUQ
– Chelsea (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
Captain Marin Tomasov provided a moment of brilliance, running past Vega on the edge of the penalty area and curling in a stunning shot from the left post to make it 3-1. This was a rare event for the Kazakh national team, whose offensive efforts were limited.
The second half saw Astana emerge with more intent, fueled by Tomasov's goal.
They managed several dangerous attempts, including a long-range shot from Tomasov that Chelsea keeper Jorgensen had to clear.
Chelsea introduced new players in the second half, including 18-year-old Ato Ambah, as they looked to manage the game and maintain their lead.
Carne Chukwuemeka and Harvey Vale provided energy in midfield, but clear-cut chances were few and far between as the game wore on.
Ultimately, Chelsea's early dominance proved too much for Astana to overcome.
