Djurgarden 1-4 Chelsea: Blues demolish Djurgarden in Stockholm to edge closer to Europa Conference League Final

Chelsea took a commanding step toward the UEFA Europa Conference League final with a dominant 4-1 first-leg win over Swedish side Djurgarden in Stockholm. The Blues, now unbeaten in their last 15 away European games, showcased their depth and clinical finishing despite making eight changes to their starting lineup.

Sancho and Madueke Strike Early

The Premier League side wasted no time asserting dominance, with Jadon Sancho capitalizing on a defensive mishap to slot home the opener just 12 minutes in. Enzo Fernández’s pinpoint delivery led to an awkward deflection from Marcus Danielsson, setting up Sancho's cool finish. Shortly before the break, Fernández again turned provider—this time for Noni Madueke, who beat Jacob Rinne at the near post with a sharp, low drive to double Chelsea’s advantage.

Jackson’s Double Crushes Djurgarden's Hopes

Head coach Enzo Maresca introduced Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer at halftime, and the impact was instant. Jackson punished a mix-up between Rinne and Danielsson to make it 3-0, before rifling in a sensational strike into the top corner from the edge of the box just six minutes later, sealing his brace.

Despite Chelsea’s dominance, 18-year-old Isak Alemayehu gave the home crowd something to cheer about with a precise header from Tobias Gulliksen’s cross—marking his first senior goal in European competition. However, the damage had already been done, and Djurgarden now face an uphill battle heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

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Maresca’s Rotation Pays Off

With a crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool on the horizon, Maresca’s decision to rotate proved wise. Young talents like 16-year-old Reggie Walsh impressed off the bench, while Filip Jorgensen made key saves to maintain Chelsea’s advantage. The win also keeps Chelsea in sixth place in the league standings—level on points with Nottingham Forest but ahead on goal difference.

Chelsea Close in on Historic Treble

With the Conference League final set for May 28 in Wroclaw, Chelsea remain on course to become the first club to win the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, solidifying their European legacy. For Djurgarden, who’ve battled through 16 qualifying and tournament matches to reach this stage, the dream may be fading—but they’ll look to salvage pride in the return leg.

SportsLigue