Chelsea advanced to the last 16 of the Conference League with a confident 3-1 victory over Astana in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The match showcased the club’s commitment to youth development as two academy graduates, 18-year-old Josh Acheampong and 19-year-old Samuel Rak-Sakyi, were handed their first senior starts. Both players, who have been part of the club since under-eight level, delivered assured performances in their debuts.
The game began with Chelsea asserting their dominance early on. Marc Guiu, a teenager with six previous starts for the club, scored twice within the first 18 minutes. His first goal was a moment of individual brilliance, as he picked up the ball near the touchline, outmaneuvered his marker, and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper with precision. The second came from a chaotic sequence in the box, where Guiu reacted quickest to bundle the ball over the line, doubling the visitors’ advantage.
Chelsea’s third goal arrived before halftime through Renato Veiga, who headed in unmarked from a corner. This marked Veiga’s second goal for the club and underlined his growing influence in the team. The visitors, playing in sub-zero temperatures, looked comfortable throughout the first half, controlling possession and creating numerous chances.
Astana, who were playing 600 miles from their regular home stadium due to renovations, struggled to cope with Chelsea’s intensity. However, they managed to pull one back with a stunning strike from Croatian forward Marin Tomasov. Escaping his marker, Tomasov unleashed a powerful shot that soared past the Chelsea goalkeeper and ricocheted in off the post, providing a rare moment of joy for the home supporters.
The second half saw Chelsea ease off the pressure, allowing the manager to rotate the squad further and give opportunities to more young players. Ato Ampah made his first senior appearance, replacing Pedro Neto, who had been lively in the opening stages. Neto, suspended for the upcoming domestic fixture, created several early chances, including a low shot saved by the Astana goalkeeper.
Seventeen-year-old Shim Mheuka was also introduced, becoming the second youngest player to represent Chelsea in European competition. Kiano Dyer joined the list of debutants, completing a memorable night for the club’s academy. Harvey Vale returned to action for the first time in over two years, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall came close to scoring with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target.
Astana showed more resilience in the second half, creating a few half-chances, but Chelsea’s defense, led by the composed Acheampong, held firm. The visitors managed the game well, maintaining control of possession and ensuring there were no further scares.
The match highlighted the depth of talent within Chelsea’s academy and the club’s commitment to nurturing young players. The blend of youth and experience provided a balanced performance, with the debutants showing maturity and confidence in challenging conditions.
This result not only secured Chelsea’s progression in the competition but also emphasized their ability to adapt and succeed with a rotated squad. The young players, supported by experienced teammates, delivered a professional performance that bodes well for the future. With their place in the next round confirmed, Chelsea can now focus on maintaining their momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
The game served as a testament to the club’s long-term vision, showcasing a new generation of talent ready to step up on the big stage. The experience gained by the young players in such a high-pressure environment will undoubtedly benefit them and the team as they continue their campaign.
