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Chelsea win second leg against Djurgarden to confirm spot in Conference League final

Chelsea celebrate the only goal of the night
Chelsea celebrate the only goal of the nightGLYN KIRK / AFP
Chelsea booked their place in the UEFA Conference League final with a 1-0 second-leg victory over Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge (5-1 on aggregate), registering a fifth consecutive win in all competitions in the process.

Last week’s 4-1 triumph in Sweden gave Chelsea plenty of breathing space in this tie, allowing Enzo Maresca to field a rotated side that included a maiden start for 16-year-old Reggie Walsh.

Djurgarden, meanwhile, drew 1-1 in the Swedish Allsvenskan at the weekend, meaning they have won just one of their last four matches - hardly the best way to prepare for the minor miracle they required to progress here.

The first half in London was ultimately similar to the one in the first leg, with Chelsea dominating possession from the off.

Chances, though, were rare at best, as Jacob Rinne’s save from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s strike from outside the box was the first time either goalkeeper was called into action.

Tyrique George then also had an attempt parried before the Blues effectively eradicated any doubt over the outcome of the tie when Dewsbury-Hall fired in off the post.

For the visitors, Keita Kosugi’s deflection shot did at least draw a stop out of Filip Jorgensen, but Djurgarden were effectively passengers throughout the opening period.

After the interval, the visitors were more proactive and went close on a few occasions.

Tobias Gulliksen fired narrowly wide of the post from outside the box, while Daniel Stensson’s strike was tipped over by Jorgensen. Ultimately, though, the damage had already been done, and any goal from Djurgarden would have been nothing but a consolation.

For Chelsea, the absolute minimum has been achieved as they move on to the final in Wroclaw where they will face either Real Betis or Fiorentina.

With UEFA Champions League qualification in their hands, it could be a fantastic end to the term for Maresca and Co. Djurgarden, meanwhile, will look back on a brilliant European journey with pride as they turn their attention to the domestic league, where they are already nine points off top having played six matches.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Chelsea)

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