Chelsea secure Conference League knockout spot

The match showcased the talent of several academy graduates as manager Enzo Maresca rotated his squad and handed debuts to promising youngsters.

The Blues adapted quickly to sub-zero temperatures, taking a commanding lead within 40 minutes.

Teenager Marc Guiu opened the scoring in style, dribbling past his marker on the right wing before slotting a composed finish past Astana goalkeeper Mukhammedzhan Seysen.

The 18-year-old doubled Chelsea's advantage shortly after, capitalising on a defensive scramble to force the ball over the line.

Midfielder Renato Veiga added a third with a towering header from a corner, marking his second goal for the club.

Despite playing 600 miles away from their home stadium due to renovations, Astana gave their travelling fans a moment of joy when Marin Tomasov unleashed a stunning strike that clipped the post on its way in.

Maresca fielded a youthful side, including 18-year-old Josh Acheampong and 19-year-old Samuel Rak-Sakyi, both of whom impressed in their senior debuts.

Tyrique George and Harvey Vale also featured, while 17-year-old Shim Mheuka became Chelsea's second-youngest player in European competition, further highlighting the club's commitment to developing young talent.

Reflecting on the game, Maresca praised his players for adapting to the challenging conditions. "It was a solid performance," he said. "The players handled the freezing weather, long journey, and tricky pitch superbly.

"I'm particularly pleased with the young players. They showed maturity and contributed significantly to the win."

The manager also expressed gratitude to the travelling fans, who endured a gruelling 7,000-mile round trip. "Their support means everything. Now, we need them behind us again on Sunday," he added, referencing Chelsea's upcoming Premier League clash against Brentford.

With this victory, Chelsea continue to build momentum in Europe while giving their academy stars a platform to shine.

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