Chelsea defeated Copenhagen 2-1 in their Conference League last-16 first leg match, gaining an advantage for the return game at Stamford Bridge.
Reece James opened the scoring for Chelsea early in the second half with a fantastic strike from outside the penalty area.
Enzo Fernandez extended Chelsea’s lead in the 65th minute with a powerful shot.
Copenhagen responded when Gabriel Pereira scored a header, but Chelsea defended their lead to secure a victory in the first leg.
Match Details:
- Match Result: Copenhagen 1-2 Chelsea
- Copenhagen Team: Ramaj, Diks, Gabriel, Hatzidiakos, Claesson, Froholdt, Chisakha, Gocholeishvili, Meling, Achouri, Clem
- Chelsea Team: Sanchez, Chalobah, Tosin, Badiashile, Gusto, James, Dewsbury-Hall, Palmer, George, Mheuka
Match Updates:
Full Time: Copenhagen 1-2 Chelsea
90′ + 4 mins: The match concludes with Chelsea winning 2-1.
Chelsea Secures Victory in Denmark
Chelsea achieved a victory in Denmark, taking a crucial lead in the tie. Second-half goals from Reece James and Enzo Fernandez provided a comfortable lead before Gabriel Pereira scored a goal back for Copenhagen. Chelsea will carry a 2-1 lead into the second leg at Stamford Bridge next week.
Goal: Gabriel Pereira
80 mins: Copenhagen reduces the deficit. Gabriel Pereira scores with a header from a free-kick.
Copenhagen 0-2 Chelsea
74 mins: Chelsea remains in control, leading 2-0 with goals from Reece James and Enzo Fernandez.
Copenhagen 0-2 Chelsea
71 mins: Cole Palmer is substituted after 71 minutes, extending his goalless streak to eight games in all competitions.
Chelsea Substitution
65 mins: Jadon Sancho replaces Cole Palmer for Chelsea.
View from SunSport’s Reporter in Copenhagen
Chelsea is in command, leading 2-0. Marc Cucurella’s introduction after Malo Gusto’s injury has been impactful. He assisted Reece James’s goal and provided a key pass leading to Enzo Fernandez’s goal.
Copenhagen 0-2 Chelsea
65 mins: Enzo Fernandez scores! A cutback from Tyrique George finds Enzo, who finishes strongly from inside the box.
Goal: Enzo Fernandez
Copenhagen 0-1 Chelsea
64 mins: Palmer attempts a shot from distance, narrowly missing the target.
Copenhagen 0-1 Chelsea
59 mins: Cucurella’s header goes just wide, but it wouldn’t have counted due to offside.
Copenhagen 0-1 Chelsea
54 mins: Achouri shoots from the edge of the box for Copenhagen, but it goes wide.
Copenhagen 0-1 Chelsea
51 mins: The second half has started energetically with chances at both ends.
Copenhagen 0-1 Chelsea
50 mins: Copenhagen hits the post! Claesson’s shot bounces off the post and is collected by Sanchez.
Copenhagen 0-1 Chelsea
47 mins: Reece James scores a beautiful goal from the edge of the box after a pass from Cucurella.
Goal: Reece James
Chelsea Substitutions
46 mins: Christopher Nkunku, Enzo Fernandez, and Levi Colwill replace Shumaria Mheuka, Moises Caicedo, and Benoit Badiashile for Chelsea at halftime.
Second Half Starts: Copenhagen 0-0 Chelsea
View from SunSport’s Reporter in Copenhagen
Chelsea had no shots on target in the first half, appearing sluggish. Tosin Adarabioyo showed frustration with the team’s defensive play. Coach Enzo Maresca needs to inject energy into the team to avoid a potential upset.
Marcus Bellamy