Chelsea opens Conference League campaign with 4-2 win over Gent

Chelsea extended their winning streak to five matches with a 4-2 victory over Gent at Stamford Bridge, kicking off their Europa Conference League campaign in style.

Manager Enzo Maresca rotated the squad once again, allowing summer signings Renato Veiga and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to net their first goals for the club.

Veiga opened the scoring to give Chelsea a 1-0 lead at halftime, and Pedro Neto doubled the advantage moments into the second half.

Gent briefly threatened a comeback when Tsuyoshi Watanabe pulled one back, but Christopher Nkunku restored Chelsea’s control with his fourth goal in as many games.

Dewsbury-Hall added another to secure the win before a late consolation from Gent’s Omri Gandelman.

With Gent considered one of their closest rivals in the competition, Chelsea’s comfortable win further solidifies their status as favourites to claim the Conference League title.