Chelsea delivered a confident 1-3 victory over FC Astana in a lively match held in Azerbaijan.
Despite the defeat, Astana showcased a spirited performance in front of their home crowd, but the visitors’ precision in attack and defensive resilience proved decisive.
The game opened with Chelsea asserting early dominance through meticulous passing and high pressing. By the 14th minute, Marc Guiu showcased his composure, capitalizing on a solo run to fire a low shot into the bottom right corner, leaving Astana’s Mukhammedzhan Seysen with no chance. Just four minutes later, Guiu doubled the lead, reacting quickest to an unlucky deflection in Astana’s box and slotting the ball into the net.
Astana tried to respond, with Chinedu Geoffrey and Marin Tomasov spearheading their efforts. Geoffrey unleashed a powerful strike in the 33rd minute, but his effort went over the bar. Moments later, Tomasov tested Filip Jorgensen with a well-placed attempt from distance, but the Chelsea keeper was equal to the task, ensuring a clean sheet at halftime.
Chelsea’s third goal came in the 39th minute from Renato Veiga, who rose highest to meet Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner. Veiga’s header nestled perfectly into the bottom right corner, giving Chelsea a commanding 3-0 lead before the break.
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Astana refused to relent and entered the second half with renewed determination. In the 45th minute, Marin Tomasov scored a spectacular goal, curling the ball into the top left corner from the edge of the penalty area. This moment of brilliance ignited hopes among the home supporters as Astana fought to narrow the gap further.
The second half saw Astana pushing forward with urgency. Ousmane Camara came close in the 50th minute, but his strike lacked the venom to trouble Jorgensen. Tomasov also continued to be a threat, forcing another impressive save from the Chelsea goalkeeper in the 52nd minute.
Chelsea maintained control
Chelsea, however, maintained control of the game with smart substitutions by Enzo Maresca. The introduction of fresh legs like Ato Ampah and Shumaira Mheuka added energy to the Blues’ attack, keeping Astana’s defense on their toes.
Mukhammedzhan Seysen stood out for Astana with a series of exceptional saves, particularly in the 78th minute when Tyrique George’s fierce shot from outside the box seemed destined for the net. Seysen’s quick reflexes denied Chelsea from extending their lead further.
Astana’s attempts to claw back were met with staunch defending. Aleksandr Marochkin’s late header in the 90th minute, aimed at the heart of the goal, was thwarted by Jorgensen’s quick reactions.
Despite their valiant efforts, Astana’s creativity in the final third fell short against Chelsea’s defensive discipline. The visitors managed the game effectively in the closing stages, preserving their two-goal advantage.
The victory marks an important step for Chelsea as they continue their campaign with confidence. For Astana, the match was a testament to their fighting spirit, though they will rue missed chances and defensive lapses that allowed Chelsea to dominate the scoreboard.
As the referee blew the final whistle after 93 minutes, Chelsea walked away with a well-earned win, while Astana earned respect for their resilience. Both teams will reflect on this game as they prepare for their next challenges.