Chelsea beaten on the night by Servette but advance in Conference League

Chelsea survived a scare in Geneva to book their place in the UEFA Conference League despite a 2-1 loss to Servette, winning the tie 3-2 on aggregate on Thursday night.

The Blues were 3-0 up on aggregate at one point but a two-goal surge from the Swiss side saw them win the game on the night.

Thankfully for Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge in the first leg was enough to see them through to the league stage and leave Servette crestfallen.

Christopher Nkunku gave Chelsea their only goal of the game with a first-half penalty, his second of the tie. The midfielder then served as his side’s primary attacking outlet in a game they largely dominated but failed to deliver with an end product.

Maresca’s side will now turn their attention to tomorrow’s league phase draw, where they will find out who they face in the initial phase of the proper competition this season.

Their 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge in the first leg ultimately delivered them the win, but on Thursday it was Nkunku’s goal that edged the tie for them. He gave the Blues the lead in the 14th minute after Mykhailo Mudryk won a penalty. The Ukrainian jumped on a mistake from right back Keigo Tsunemoto and the Japanese defender instinctively made a poor challenge to gift away a spot kick, which Nkunku confidently buried.

At this point it looked like Chelsea had sown up their spot in the league phase quickly with a 3-0 aggregate lead. Those opening 15 minutes signalled a comfortable night for the visitors, but the hosts were not afraid to apply some pressure of their own, winning several corners and creating half chances for themselves until they found a way through.

Then out of nowhere in the 32nd minute, Servette found their equaliser. Dereck Kutesa burst away from Axel Disasi on the left flank and slid a pass into the path of Jeremy Guillemenot and the Swiss striker fired past Jorgensen’s right-hand into the corner for the equaliser.

The quiet period that followed seemed to suit Chelsea, who were in danger of letting Servette carve them open further. And the Blues managed to finish the half with some positives as Noni Madueke almost scored, but was betrayed by a poor first touch.

While Servette initially threatened at the outset of the second half, Chelsea largely controlled despite a few brief chances for the hosts. Yet each one was a reminder that Maresca’s side were only a goal away from panic stations.

The quiet second-half finally livened up when Enzo Crivelli headed in Servette’s second goal of the night. The Argentine had slipped between Disasi and Benoit Badiashile moments before and won a corner, and this time snuck between the pair and headed past Jorgensen.

It flicked a switch on for the hosts and seemingly flicked one off for Chelsea, whose defence became even more open. Every Servette attack brought huge pressure and Chelsea were shaky and increasingly desperate while defending each one.

The visitors should have had the tie wrapped up in the 83rd minute when Cole Palmer’s shot beat the keeper, only to hit the bar. Servette pressed and probed for a third goal to take the tie into extra time, but Maresca had brought on his replacements and the hosts tired in the final stages.

Chelsea’s squad size overall and transfer dealings may be comical, but there is no doubting they have a glut of talented players. Maresca is not afraid to ruthlessly carve out those he does not want – see Raheem Sterling and Ben Chillwell – and if he settles on his squad then they have a promising one filled with gifted players.

Obviously, there are a few ‘what ifs’, but tonight he was able to bring on the likes of Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Moises Caicedo to bolster the side. Not bad.

Like in the first tie, Nkunku was the difference. He scored Chelsea’s penalty, their only goal in the first half, but he was their primary distributor and playmaker. He showcased his strong footwork and passing range and showed why he could be a key part of Maresca’s side this season.

Chelsea: Jorgensen 6, Disasi 5, Adarabioyo 6, Badiashile 5, Veiga 5, Fernandez 6, Dewsbury-Hall 6, Madueke 6, Nkunku 7, Mudryk 6, Guiu 5,

Subs: Caicedo 6, Palmer 7, George 6, Jackson 6

Servette: Mall 6, Tsunemoto 5, Rouiller 5, Severin 6, Mazikou 5, Cognat 6, Ondoua 6, Douline 5, Kutesa 7, Antunes 5, Guillemenot 7

Subs: Crivelli 7, , Ouattara 6, , Stevanovic 5, Von Moos 6

14’ GOAL! NKUNKU | SERVETTE 0-1 CHELSEA (agg 0-3) – Nkunku buries the penalty, 1-0, and Chelsea are on their way with a 3-0 aggregate lead.

32’ GOAL! GUILLEMENOT | SERVETTE 1-1 CHELSEA (agg 1-3) – Guillemenot skips away from the Chelsea defence after a through ball from Kutesa and the Swiss striker buries it in the corner for the hosts.

72′ GOAL! CRIVELLI | SERVETTE 2-1 CHELSEA (agg 2-3) – And Crivelli scoress this time! Once again he gets between the two defenders and he rises high for an excellent header past Jorgensen.

78′ JACKSON’S GOAL RULED OUT – Jackson slotted a shot but has been ruled out for an offside call. Just over 10 minutes remaining and Chelsea in some trouble. If they can keep the score as is, fine, they go through. But Servette are pressing them on the attack.