Astana v Chelsea LIVE: Conference League result as Blues ease to victory
Astana 1-3 Chelsea: Enzo Maresca’s youngsters earn fine win in Kazakhstan
Chelsea secured their place in the Uefa Conference League last-16 with a fine display in Kazakhstan as they defeated Astana 3-1 away from home.
After victories in their firsr four matches in this competition, Enzo Maresca decided to leave the bulk of his first team squad in London and handed debuts to promising youngster including Josh Acheampong.
One of the young stars to benefit was Marc Guiu who netted twice in the first half as a dominant Chelsea cruised into the lead. A third goal from Renato Veiga put the match beyond doubt despite Marin Tomasov pulling one back for the hosts.
Astana were more of a threat throughout the second half but Chelsea controlled possession well and limited opportunities for them to score. The whistle went at 3-1 and the Blues come away with another crucial three points.
Relive the updates from the Conference League in our live blog below:
Full-time! Astana 1-3 Chelsea
90+2 mins: There goes the full time whistle. Chelsea have the three points and another win in the Uefa Conference League. That makes it five wins from five in this competition.
A good evening for Enzo Maresca’s men who have qualified for the last-16. They’ll enter the knockout rounds in March after playing one more league game with no pressure.
They remain top of the table.
Astana 1-3 Chelsea
84 mins: Chelsea are set to keep their 100% record in this competition as the full-time whistle draws closer. They’ll remain top of the table and will qualify for the automatic spots in the round of 16.
A job well done if they can get over the line.
Astana 1-3 Chelsea
81 mins: Inside the final 10 minutes now. Astana have stepped things up following their goal at the end of the first half. Chelsea have had a few moments in front of goal but they’ve been fewer and not as simple as the goals that were scored in the first half.
Astana 1-3 Chelsea
78 mins: Enzoe Maresca will be pleased with what he’s seen tonight. He team got the work done in the first 45 minutes and have managed the second half well enough.
75mins: Quarter of an hour left to play here. Chelsea in control as Astana’s energy levels are seemingly dropping off.
Tyrique George shoots again from range but again finds the goalkeeper.
Astana 1-3 Chelsea
69 mins: Close! Veiga sends the ball out wide to George who dances into the penalty area. He sends a decent pass across goal where substitute Harvey Vale is arriving.
Vale wants to shoot but Astana manage to clear their lines.
Astana 1-3 Chelsea
66 mins: Chelsea haven’t had as much time to decide what to do with the ball. Astana are pressing them more but the young team have risen to the challenge and are asserting their control on the game again.
Astana 1-3 Chelsea
63 mins: Tyrique George wants a goal. Twice in as many minutes he troubles the goalkeeper from the left side of the box but neither effort manages to get past Mukhammejan Seisen.
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