Can Djurgarden Pull Off Miracle Against Chelsea?

Djurgarden faces a monumental task against Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League semi-final second leg, trailing 4-1 from the first leg. Can the Stockholm side pull off a historic comeback?

Coach Kim Honkavaara emphasizes the importance of setting sights on the next target, saying, ”It's about chasing goal after goal.” Djurgarden faces a monumental challenge in their quest to reach the UEFA Conference League final.

Djurgarden would make history with a win, pulling off one of the greatest comebacks in European club football if they can overcome Chelsea in the semi-final. The Stockholm side heads to Stamford Bridge for the second leg, facing a daunting task against a team with a squad valued 44 times higher than their own, according to Transfermarkt.

Read Also: Maresca's Chelsea Eyes Conference League Glory

The financial disparity between Djurgarden and Chelsea is stark, and the 4-1 deficit from the first leg makes the task ahead even more daunting. However, manager Kim Honkavaara paints a picture of optimism in the Djurgarden camp.

“We are finally here in London and the feeling is good overall. The players are excited about what lies ahead and we are really looking forward to stepping out for the match on Thursday,” Honkavaara told the pre-match press conference. This European semi-final appearance is a historic milestone for Djurgarden, marking the first time an Allsvenskan club has reached the last four in three decades. Honkavaara aims to capitalize on the occasion by focusing solely on the second leg, treating it as a standalone game and putting the first-leg deficit aside.

Returmöte i London väntar! 🔥

— Djurgården Fotboll (@DIF_Fotboll) May 7, 2025

“We will not focus so much on the result from the last meeting when we approach the match. It is more important to see it as a separate match and if we are to be able to achieve a good result, it is about chasing after goal by goal.”

“But we cannot start the match just to catch up with a result, but must manage the match wisely and then see where it takes us,” he added.

Djurgarden's injury list is a concern, with Adam Stahl, Albin Ekdal, and Zakaria Sawo missing Sunday's match, and Oskar Fallenius, Nino Zugelj, Rasmus Schuller, Patric Aslund, and Malkolm Nilsson Safqvist long-term out. Despite these absences, coach Kim Honkavaara remains upbeat, saying, “We are bringing some new blood into this match compared to the last meeting at Tele2 Arena. We have had some new question marks since then, but we can still mobilize a strong squad for Thursday's match.”

Chelsea, heavy favorites to win the UECL, have been targeting a trophy all season. Manager Enzo Maresca highlights the significance of winning, stating, “Winning a trophy is a statement and you (could then) say Chelsea are back.”