Chelsea kicks off Europa Conference League campaign with thrilling 4-2 victory over Gent

KATHMANDU: Chelsea Football Club made a promising start to their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign with a resounding 4-2 victory over Belgian side K.A.A. Gent at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.

This win marked a strong opening for the Blues in the tournament, earning them three crucial points.

The home team showcased their attacking prowess, with key players stepping up to deliver a compelling performance.

Christopher Nkunku, the summer signing who has been making waves since joining the club, opened the scoring for Chelsea early in the match. His well-placed strike set the tone for the evening, igniting the home crowd’s enthusiasm.

Following Nkunku’s goal, Chelsea continued to press their advantage, and Renato Veiga doubled the lead with a fantastic effort from outside the box.

The young midfielder’s goal highlighted his potential and ability to perform on big stages, further boosting the team’s confidence.

Pedro Neto and Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall also got in on the action, contributing goals that cemented Chelsea’s dominant position.

The attacking display showcased the depth of talent within the squad, emphasizing manager Mauricio Pochettino’s faith in his players.

Despite the scoreline, Gent fought back valiantly. Japanese forward Suoyoshi Watanabe managed to find the net, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope. His goal, a well-timed finish, momentarily disrupted Chelsea’s rhythm.

Additionally, Omri Gandelman added another for Gent, making the score 4-2 in the latter stages of the game, but it wasn’t enough to alter the outcome.

Chelsea’s defense faced some challenges throughout the match, indicating areas for improvement as they look to make a deep run in the tournament. However, the attacking display was a positive sign for the club, which has undergone significant changes in recent months.

With this victory, Chelsea will be looking to build momentum in their upcoming fixtures.

The three points from this match set a solid foundation as they aim to progress in the competition and reclaim their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs