Chelsea is set to compete in the final of the Conference League on May 28 following their 1-0 victory over Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge, securing a 5-1 aggregate win.
This season has been quite unique for Chelsea in Europe, as they have advanced to the final in Wroclaw, Poland, mostly fielding their backup players and dominating teams from various countries. In their recent match against Liverpool, 10 players were rested and 16-year-old midfielder Reggie Walsh was given his first start, showcasing promising skills on the field.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, at 26 years old, scored the only goal of the second leg match, finding the net in the 38th minute after an excellent pass from Tyrique George. Despite the absence of key players, Chelsea's young talents displayed great performances throughout the game.
Former Europa League-winning manager Rafael Benitez was present at the match, witnessing Maresca's potential to secure European silverware in his debut season at Chelsea.
Although the main focus for Maresca remains qualifying for the Champions League, their supporters' lack of enthusiasm towards the Conference League was evident through the empty seats at the stadium.
The match remained goalless until Dewsbury-Hall's attempt was saved in the 27th minute, with George showing his skills shortly after. Chelsea's overall team performance was commendable, with Marc Cucurella adapting well to a new midfield role.
As Chelsea continues to evolve positively, Dewsbury-Hall and the rest of the team demonstrate significant progress, showcasing their potential for success in future competitions.
George had a chance to extend Chelsea's lead in the second half but missed a clear opportunity from Jadon Sancho's cross, preventing a perfect night for the young talent.