Astana vs Chelsea: Conference League latest score and updates - LIVE!
Chelsea maintained their flawless performance in the Conference League by defeating Astana 3-1 in Kazakhstan, securing their advancement to the knockout rounds.
Enzo Maresca put together a young team, leaving most of his regular players behind to avoid the long eight-hour flight and the freezing temperatures that dipped below minus ten degrees. Despite the changes, Chelsea showcased their quality, sealing the game well before halftime. Marc Guiu found the net twice within just five minutes. His first goal came from a fantastic run and finish, while his second was a bit luckier, as the goalkeeper deflected the ball, causing it to bounce off Guiu and into the goal.
Renato Veiga scored a third goal for Chelsea, nodding the ball in from a corner kick. Although Astana's captain, Marin Tomasov, scored a brilliant goal before halftime, it didn't seem likely that they would stage a comeback. This result likely turns Chelsea’s upcoming home match against Shamrock Rovers into a mere formality, giving Maresca the opportunity to once again let his young academy players get plenty of playing time.
Recent updates on Astana versus Chelsea.
Chelsea Triumphs 3-1 Over Astana
The officials show some mercy to the players, and that’s the end of the game.
Chelsea secured their fifth consecutive victory in the Conference League, ensuring their spot in the Round of 16.
88 minutes: Astana has a chance with a long throw—do they have someone like Rory Delap on their team?
It's a good attempt, but Tosin is right there at the near post to clear it away with his head.
85 minutes: Dewsbury-Hall skillfully navigates his way into the penalty area, and the space opens up perfectly for him.
Attempts to get a bit too fancy by trying to avoid the goalkeeper, but ends up taking it too far, and the opportunity is lost.
Dyer comes on for Chelsea, taking the place of Rak-Sakyi.
83 minutes: Mheuka passes the ball to George, who has consistently taken shots at the goal whenever he's had the opportunity this evening.
That's not going to change now, but once more the attempt was blocked. Plus, he was in an offside position.
80 minutes: Mheuka comes on to make his first appearance for the senior team as a forward.
Guiu didn't manage to score a hat-trick, but it was still a successful evening overall.
On the flip side, Chelsea finds themselves in a considerable predicament defensively. The shot is eventually stopped, but the offside flag is raised regardless.
76 minutes in: I believe both teams would be happy if the referee called it a game at this moment.
The game's tempo has noticeably slowed. Ampah gets another opportunity to move forward, but he takes a poor touch and ends up giving the ball away.
72 minutes in: It certainly seems like Chelsea is on the brink of scoring a fourth goal.
Dewsbury-Hall uses his left foot and finds some room about 20 yards away from the goal, unleashing a powerful shot. It narrowly misses the far post.
69 minutes: Chelsea earns a corner as Vale just misses scoring with a header shortly after stepping onto the field.
Disasi manages to get his head on the ball at the far post, but he's holding onto his opponent and the referee blows the whistle.
67 minutes in: Maresca makes another substitution from his bench.
Chukwuemeka's game has come to an end, and he's been substituted by Vale for the last 25 minutes or so.
Vale was the sole player sitting on the Chelsea bench who had previously played in a senior match for the team before this game.
66 minutes: Guiu continues to make his runs behind the defense, but Chelsea hasn’t been able to find him in this half.
Ampah, positioned on the right, misjudges the cross and sends it directly off the field.
