UECL: Chelsea Secure Slim Advantage with 2-1 Win Over FC Copenhagen

Reece James and Enzo Fernandez scored as Chelsea edged FC Copenhagen 2-1 in the first leg of their Conference League tie, giving the Blues a narrow advantage ahead of the return leg.

Chelsea maintained their perfect record in the UEFA Conference League, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie in Denmark. The match took place at a lively Parken Stadium, where Chelsea sought to end their three-month wait for an away win, dating back to their December triumph over Astana in the league phase.

Chelsea's 100% record in the Conference League had been built on six convincing wins in the group stage. However, facing European regulars FC Copenhagen presented a tougher challenge. The first half proved to be a stern test, with Chelsea struggling to make an impact despite dominating possession. The hosts almost capitalized on Chelsea's sluggish start, with Amin Chiakha's effort providing one of the few notable opportunities of the half.

The Blues' task was further complicated by the forced withdrawal of Malo Gusto due to injury after just 25 minutes. This disruption added to Chelsea's woes as they sought to break down a resilient Copenhagen defense. Despite their dominance, Chelsea's attacking efforts were largely repelled, setting the stage for a closely contested second half.

Seeking a fresh spark, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made three halftime substitutions. The changes paid dividends just two minutes into the second half, as the visitors took the lead. Marc Cucurella pulled the ball back into a threatening area, allowing captain Reece James to attack and bury a low shot into the bottom corner with a first-time strike, marking Chelsea's first shot on target.

Chelsea's lead was nearly short-lived, as Viktor Claesson's sweeping close-range shot bounced off the inside of the post, allowing Robert Sanchez to gather the ball. Despite this scare, Chelsea showed significant improvement after the break, creating additional scoring opportunities. Cucurella headed wide from an offside position, and Cole Palmer sent a dipping effort off target. Chelsea's persistence eventually paid off in the 66th minute.

A turnover in Copenhagen's defensive third proved costly, as Tyrique George cut the ball back for Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine midfielder slotted home with a neat side-foot finish, doubling Chelsea's lead and strengthening their position in the tie. This goal marked a significant moment in the match, as Chelsea's improved second-half performance earned them a valuable advantage ahead of the return leg.

Copenhagen pulled a goal back with 10 minutes remaining, courtesy of a well-executed set-piece delivery from Marcos Lopez. Gabriel Pereira's header proved too powerful for Robert Sanchez, giving Jacob Neestrup's side a glimmer of hope in the tie.

Chelsea victorious in Copenhagen ✅#UECL pic.twitter.com/9Z2WRPuyTd

— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) March 6, 2025

Chelsea's improved second-half performance ultimately sealed a 2-1 victory in the first leg, positioning them favorably ahead of the return leg at Stamford Bridge. Despite the win, Copenhagen's defeat was not entirely unexpected, given Chelsea's quality. The Danish side has now suffered their second defeat in 10 competitive outings, and they face an uphill battle in the return leg.

The challenge ahead for Copenhagen is daunting, as they seek to overturn the deficit at Stamford Bridge next week. Chelsea's home form has been impressive, and Copenhagen will need to produce a remarkable performance to salvage the tie.