Europa Conference League: Chelsea secure fifth consecutive win

Chelsea continued their flawless Europa Conference League campaign on Thursday with a commanding 3-1 win against Astana in Almaty.

The victory marks their fifth consecutive triumph in the competition, putting them on the brink of securing a top-eight finish in the league phase and automatic qualification to the round of 16.

In freezing Kazakh conditions, a heavily rotated Chelsea squad showed resilience, extending their lead at the top of the standings to 15 points.

Legia Warsaw, the only other team with a perfect record, trails Chelsea by three points and will look to close the gap when they host Switzerland’s Lugano later.

Astana’s defeat leaves them precariously in the final knockout play-off spot with just four points, leaving their progression hanging in the balance.

The Blues sealed the victory early, with goals from Marc Guiu and Renato Veiga in the first half. Astana’s Marin Tomasov reduced the deficit just before halftime, but Enzo Maresca’s men maintained control throughout the second half to close out the win.

Guiu shone in the opening stages, netting twice within 20 minutes to bring his European tally to three goals in five matches this season.

His first goal, a brilliant solo effort in the 14th minute, showcased the former Barcelona player’s flair as he surged down the right flank and finished from a tight angle.

With their sights set firmly on advancing, Chelsea continues to dominate the competition and solidify their title credentials.

The 18-year-old Spaniard doubled up four minutes later with a striker’s goal as he forced the ball home at the front post following good wing play by Pedro Neto.

Renato Veiga, 21, headed in Chelsea’s third from a corner on 39 minutes.

Croatian veteran Tomasov scored the pick of the goals in the 45th minute as he stood up Renato Veiga in the box before arcing a fine left-footed strike in off the far post.

Earlier, Djurgarden of Sweden provisionally moved up to sixth with a 2-1 win at Vikingur Reykjavik despite finishing with 10 men.