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:
Pre-match throughts from Grigoriy Babayan
Astana coach Grigoriy Babayan said: “We are playing against one of the best teams in Europe.
“They showcase some of the finest football in the Premier League and they are at the top with maximum points and goals in the Conference League.
“A team of this calibre are coming to Almaty for the first time, it’s a great moment for Almaty and Kazakhstan.”
Astana v Chelsea
Disasi on the cold temperatures
When asked about the cold temperatures expected for tonight’s match Axel Disasi said: “We just have to put on two pairs of gloves and be ready to compete in these conditions.
“We all know the conditions of these games, it’s eight hour flight and minus 11, so download some movies to watch on the plane, be ready to fight and keep first place.”
Maresca on Chelsea’s long trip to Astana
“Eight hours [one way] is not a normal time [to travel] for a game, but we have to go there, we have to play and we want to try to do our best, thinking also about the next game,” said Enzo Maresca ahead of this match.
Chelsea are currently top of the Conference League table with four wins from four and have taken a bunch of youngsters with them for this trip.
Astana strong domestically
Astana have a very strong domestic record. They finished the league season in second place last month ending the campaign just one point behind eventual winners Kairat.
With temperatures tilting below freezing, Grigoriy Babayan’s team then lifted the League Cup by beating Jenis 2-0 and now they are looking to progress further in European competition.
Chelsea top of the table
As expected Chelsea are sitting at the top of the Conference League table. They have won all four of their matches so far and have 12 points from an available 12 with a goal difference of +15.
Astana vs Chelsea
Astana XI: Seisen, Bartolec, Kalaica, Kazukolovas, Vorogovskiy, Ebonh, Chinedu, Tomasov, Marochkin, Camara, Amanovic
Bench: Zarutskiy, Condric, Bystrov, Kuat, Ahanonu, Beisebekov, Osei, Astanov, Basmanov, Gripshi, Karimov, Zhaksylyk
Cold temperatures expected
About three hours before kick off the temperature around the ground was five degrees below zero. By the time the game gets underway that is expected to dip to nearer -10 which means both teams will have to adapt to the conditions as well as each other.
An added layer of difficulty for Chelsea.
Astana vs Chelsea
Starts for Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George and Samuel Rak-Sakyi in Astana.
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