By Ashton Cox
A much changed Chelsea team overcame Copenhagen 1-2 away from home in the first-leg of the UEFA Conference League in an unconvincing performance.
Shumaira Mheuka was handed his first-team debut to become the Blues’ youngest-ever starter in a European match, but was hooked at half-time.
The introduction of several Chelsea regulars at the break inspired the West London side to take control of proceedings and looked in cruise control with a 2-goal lead.
However, the Danish side took full advantage of the Blues’ customary complacency and grabbed a late consolation goal to give them hope heading into next week’s second leg.
First-Half
The Blues, armed with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall playing unconventionally on the left of midfield alongside Shumaira Mheuka at striker, were toothless upfront and failed to register a single shot on target throughout the first half.
Copenhagen were similarly substandard in the final third and their best chance came as William Clem blazed over a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area, albeit the offside flag was raised.
Enzo Maresca’s wish to rest Marc Cucurella wasn’t granted as Malo Gusto was added to the long Chelsea injury list 25 minutes in, requiring the Spanish left-back to fill the void.
Second-Half
In response to the poor first 45 minutes, the Italian made three more substitutions as Enzo Fernandez, Christopher Nkunku and Levi Colwill replaced Benoit Badiashille, Moises Caicedo and Mheuka.
The changes paid dividends instantly, when Reece James arrowed Cucurella’s pass into the bottom-left corner from 25 yards out less than a minute after the restart.
The home side were unfortunate not to reply straight away, as Birger Meling found Viktor Claesson in behind with a through ball, but the Swedish winger could only hit the woodwork.
Cole Palmer, who had again struggled to make an impact, almost stamped his authority with a swerved shot that had Diant Ramaj in goal concerned but the ball crept wide.
Chelsea doubled their lead in the 66th minute mark as Cucurella stole possession from Giorgi Gocholeishvili high up the pitch, leading to Tyrique George laying the ball on a plate for Enzo to finish from close range.
With 10 minutes left, Copenhagen grabbed a lifeline from a free-kick; Marcos Lopez’s delivery was towards the back post and found an unmarked Gabriel Pereira who headed home.