Chelsea close in on Europa Conference league final, thrash Djurgarden 4-1 in Stockholm

Chelsea have one foot in the Europa Conference League final after a commanding 4-1 first-leg win over Djurgarden in Stockholm.

First-half goals from Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke settled early nerves for the Blues, before substitute Nicolas Jackson netted a second-half brace.

Djurgarden’s 18-year-old Isak Alemayehu pulled one back for the hosts with a header — his first senior goal — but it offered little consolation on a difficult night for the Swedes.

With a top-five Premier League finish still in play, head coach Enzo Maresca made eight changes to the starting XI ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash with champions Liverpool.

According to the BBC, the rotation had no negative effect, as Chelsea dominated throughout on the artificial pitch that had initially concerned Maresca.

A stunning tifo from the home fans greeted the visitors, but it was Chelsea who struck first.

Enzo Fernandez floated a ball to the back post where Sancho chested it down and slotted home with a touch from defender Marcus Danielson aiding the effort.

Chelsea doubled their lead just before the break as Fernandez again turned provider, slipping in Madueke who fired past Jacob Rinne at the near post.

Maresca made four changes at the break, introducing Cole Palmer and Jackson, the latter quickly taking advantage of a mix-up between Danielson and Rinne to make it 3-0.

Jackson then curled in a fine fourth from the edge of the box minutes later.

Although Alemayehu’s 68th-minute header briefly lifted the home crowd, Chelsea’s grip on the tie remained firm.

Barring a major upset in next week’s return leg at Stamford Bridge, they look set to book a spot in the Wroclaw final on 28 May — and become the first club to win all three major European trophies.

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