James and Fernandez were the scorers as the Blues turned in a professional performance to beat Copenhagen 2-1 in the Conference League
The first half hour of the round of 16 first leg between Chelsea and Copenhagen was characterised by a midfield battle, but Malo Gusto did suffer an injury, and asked to be substituted, being replaced by Marc Cucurella as Enzo Maresca shuffled his defensive pack.
At half-time, Maresca made a triple change, introducing Enzo Fernandez, Christopher Nkunku, and Levi Colwill, and within a minute, they were ahead, as Reece James slammed a long-range effort into the bottom corner from range.
The game opened up thereafter and Chelsea took advantage after the hour mark, as Fernandez finished Tyrique George's cut-back after the Blues won the ball high up the pitch.
With 10 minutes to go, Chelsea were given a fright through Gabriel Pereira's brilliant header at the back post, giving Copenhagen hope of a sensational comeback.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Parken…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (6/10):
Beaten all ends up by Pereira's header. Solid otherwise, making some good saves throughout the first half in particular.
Malo Gusto (6/10):
Substituted in the first half after taking a knock. Attempted to play on but succumbed and was replaced by Cucurella.
Trevoh Chalobah (6/10):
Solid and always willing to put his body on the line. Maybe a little too willing to go airborne in the tackle and both he and Tosin left Pereira free, but a solid showing overall.
Tosin Adarabioyo (6/10):
He and Chalobah both seemed confused as to whether they should mark Pereira before his goal but a physically impressive performance.
Benoit Badiashile (6/10):
Did okay in the first half but was subbed at half-time as Maresca shuffled his cards.
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Midfield
Moises Caicedo (5/10):
Overwhelmed a little by Copenhagen's surprisingly ferocious press. Subbed at half-time.
Reece James (8/10):
Played in a hybrid 6 role and scored the opening goal, smashing in a brilliant effort from the edge of the box. A captain's display, leading Chelsea forward.
Kieran Dewsbury-Hall (6/10):
Tidy when the ball came to him but didn't affect the game all that much from his midfield position.
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Attack
Cole Palmer (5/10):
Surprisingly quiet going forward but was diligent defensively throughout. Subbed with 15 minutes to go. Not his finest night.
Shim Mheuka (5/10):
Only his third appearance for the club. Barely touched the ball and was subbed at half-time.
Tyrique George (7/10):
Fine assist for Fernandez to make it 2-0. Brave, always trying to make something happen, and grabbed his chance with both hands.
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Subs & Manager
Marc Cucurella (7/10):
Replaced Gusto after the right-back's injury. Won the ball high up to kickstart Chelsea's move for Fernandez's goal. Played well.
Levi Colwill (7/10):
Replaced Badiashile at half-time. Slotted straight into the defence and never looked troubled.
Christopher Nkunku (7/10):
On for youngster Mheuka at the interval. Involved in Fernandez's goal with a clever reverse pass to George. Copenhagen didn't really get near him.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
On for Caicedo at half-time. Finished George's cut-back to give Chelsea a 2-0 lead. Did receive a silly late booking for kicking the ball away but only a slight blot on his copybook.
Jadon Sancho (6/10):
On for Cole Palmer but was equally quiet.
Enzo Maresca (7/10):
His side put in a remarkably professional display, despite a late lapse of concentration, and he got his substitutions spot on. He will be mightily confident they can see this out at Stamford Bridge.
