Chelsea Stroll into the Europa Conference League Final
Chelsea has done it again in Europe, cruising through to the UEFA Europa Conference League final after a professional 1-0 win over Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge. The single-goal victory on May 8, 2025, sealed an emphatic 5-1 aggregate result and heightened excitement for an intriguing showdown at the end of May. But let’s be real—the tie was already decided after Chelsea’s ruthless performance in the away leg.
Even though manager Enzo Maresca decided to shuffle his pack, resting some key players for the crucial league meeting with Newcastle, his side never looked flustered. Djurgarden, making headlines as the first Swedish club in a European semi-final since the late ‘90s, couldn’t summon the miracle their fans hoped for. Their 4-1 home defeat gave them little to chase, so when Chelsea’s second-string lineup held them at bay, it felt like a routine job done more than a dramatic night under the lights.
The Stamford Bridge crowd got a glimpse of the future as 16-year-old Reggie Walsh was handed his chance. Walsh not only broke into Chelsea’s matchday squad but also set a mark as one of the youngest players to step onto the pitch for the Blues in any European match. You could sense the buzz every time the teenager got on the ball—no stage fright, just real composure beyond his years. Chelsea fans will be hoping this is just the beginning for the academy graduate.
Djurgarden’s Brave Run Ends, Chelsea Plots European Silverware
This campaign was historic for Djurgarden even if it ended in heartbreak. Swedish teams rarely sniff the final stages of major European tournaments, so the Stockholm side’s journey deserves serious credit. But against Chelsea’s blend of youth, depth, and tactical discipline, their experience and spirit just weren’t enough.
The London club now finds itself staring at yet another European final. Waiting on the other side will either be Fiorentina or Basel, with the big game set for May 28 in Poland. The Premier League giants will be heavy favourites whoever lines up against them, especially with their recent form. Chelsea’s morale got another lift just days before this win, with a convincing 3-1 result against Liverpool to boost hopes of a Champions League return via domestic success.
Maresca’s rotation wasn’t just about keeping players fresh—it’s a statement about the depth in this Chelsea squad. Despite juggling a tough fixture list, the Blues have managed to remain competitive on every front, much to the relief and excitement of supporters. Rotational tactics may frustrate some fans when results don’t go their way, but here they paid off and also let the next generation of Chelsea talent shine.
For European football fans who want to tune in to the final, kick-off is set for 8pm in the UK and 3pm across the US east coast, airing on TNT Sports and Paramount+ respectively. The path is set, the stakes are huge, and with a balance of youthful exuberance and seasoned know-how, Chelsea’s shot at European glory has never looked more real.
