Chelsea secured a 2-1 victory over FC Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League, with second-half goals from Reece James and Enzo Fernandez proving enough to see off a late resurgence from the Danish side.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough.
Chelsea came close in stoppage time when Tyrique George’s header, from a Reece James cross, narrowly missed the target.
FC Copenhagen, meanwhile, had their best chance when Viktor Claesson struck the post with a well-placed effort from a difficult angle, following a well-timed through ball from Birger Meling.
Despite several promising attacks from both teams, the opening 45 minutes ended goalless.
Chelsea made three changes at half-time, introducing Enzo Fernandez, Christopher Nkunku, and Levi Colwill in an attempt to shake things up.
The decision paid immediate dividends as Reece James broke the deadlock just moments into the second half.
That goalscoring feeling >>> #CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/sRpiXi6rKT
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 6, 2025
Assisted by Marc Cucurella, the Chelsea captain fired a right-footed shot from outside the box into the bottom left corner, leaving the Copenhagen goalkeeper with no chance.
Chelsea continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded again in the 65th minute.
Tyrique George turned provider, setting up Enzo Fernandez, who slotted home a right-footed strike from the center of the box into the bottom right corner.
The Blues looked in control, now holding a comfortable two-goal lead.
However, FC Copenhagen refused to go down without a fight. In the 80th minute, Gabriel Pereira pulled one back for the hosts, heading a Marcos Lopez cross into the top right corner to ignite hopes of a comeback.
The goal came just after Kevin Diks had been forced off with an injury, adding to the home side’s challenges.
The match saw its fair share of physical battles, with Trevoh Chalobah conceding a free kick and Kevin Diks receiving a yellow card for a bad foul in the closing stages.
Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku and Tyrique George were both caught offside as they sought to stretch the Copenhagen defense.
As the clock wound down, Chelsea managed to withstand late pressure from the home side, holding on for a crucial win.
Copenhagen’s spirited fightback ultimately fell short, with Chelsea’s solid defensive efforts ensuring they left with the advantage.
