Chelsea continue routine win with dismantling of Gent.
Image credit: Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea began their UEFA Conference League journey in style with a dominant 4-2 victory over Gent at Stamford Bridge on October 3, 2024.
Manager Enzo Maresca showcased the depth of Chelsea’s squad by making 11 changes from their recent Premier League win against Brighton. This decision allowed several fringe players to stake their claim for a regular first-team spot, and many responded with impressive performances.
The opening minutes saw Chelsea control the tempo, and their early dominance paid off in the 12th minute when Renato Veiga, making his first start for the club, headed home from close range.
Mykhailo Mudryk, another player looking to cement his place in the lineup, delivered the pinpoint cross that Veiga converted. The young defender’s goal set the tone for Chelsea, who were relentless in their attacks throughout the match.
After the break, it took only a minute for Chelsea to extend their lead. Pedro Neto, who was a constant threat on the right wing, latched onto a perfectly weighted ball over the top from Axel Disasi.
Neto showed his pace and precision, cutting inside from the flank and blasting a shot past Gent’s goalkeeper at the near post. His electrifying display was one of the highlights of the night, with Neto proving he could be a vital asset for Maresca as the season progresses.
Gent briefly mounted a response when Tsuyoshi Watanabe scored to make it 2-1. The Japanese international capitalized on a momentary lapse in Chelsea’s defense, slotting the ball past the outstretched hands of Chelsea goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.
Watanabe’s goal gave the Belgian side a glimmer of hope, but Chelsea quickly snuffed out any chance of a comeback.
Christopher Nkunku, who has been in red-hot form, restored Chelsea’s two-goal cushion just minutes after Gent’s strike. The French forward pounced on a loose ball inside the box, calmly slotting it into the back of the net.
His goal was his sixth of the season, further establishing himself as one of Chelsea’s most reliable scorers.
As the match neared its conclusion, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added his name to the scoresheet, notching his first goal in a Chelsea shirt. The midfielder, who was heavily involved in much of Chelsea’s creative play, fired a low shot past the Gent keeper to make it 4-1.
Dewsbury-Hall’s goal put the result beyond doubt, but Gent’s Omri Gandelman managed to score a late consolation for the visitors, making the final score 4-2.
This comfortable victory marked Chelsea’s 300th European fixture, a significant milestone in the club’s history.
Renato Veiga scored his first goal for Chelsea.
Image credit: Renato Veiga
Despite the defensive hiccups, Maresca will be pleased with the performance of his rotated squad, who showcased flair, creativity, and depth in attack. Chelsea’s dominance throughout the game not only secured them three points but also sent a message that they intend to compete seriously in the UEFA Conference League this season.
For Gent, it was a night of valiant effort, but Chelsea’s quality proved too much to handle.
The Blues now look ahead to their next Conference League fixture, confident that their squad depth can carry them through a congested season of domestic and European commitments.
Key players like Neto, Nkunku, and Dewsbury-Hall are stepping up, and so, Maresca will have plenty of options as Chelsea seek success on multiple fronts.