Soccer
Enzo Maresca sang the praises of his young players after Chelsea comfortably saw off Astana 3-1 in the Conference League in brutally cold conditions.
There was a reported temperature of -10 degrees Celsius in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Thursday, but that did not stop Maresca’s side running out winners and confirming their spot in the last 16.
Marc Guiu opened the scoring on 14 minutes before an Aleksandr Marochkin own goal and Renato Veiga header had the Blues 3-0 up inside 39 minutes.
Marin Tomasov pulled one back for Astana before half-time but there was never any danger of a comeback.
Josh Acheampong, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Tyrique George and Guiu all started the game, the first time four teenagers have done so in European competition for Chelsea, while several other youngsters appeared in the second half.
Maresca was delighted with the way they adapted to the harsh weather.
He said: “It was quite cold. The players did fantastically in the conditions after a long journey.
“All of the young players have done very well. I am very happy for them – and also the ones that came on in the second half.
“For sure in the future they can play more in the Premier League. They need to work hard to deserve the chance but they are doing very well.”
To those of you who have made the trip from London to Almaty, your support is unbelievable. Thank you. #CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/kz8Gbk97Yb
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 12, 2024
Pedro Neto assisted Chelsea’s second goal of the game and felt his side were worthy winners.
He told TNT Sports: “It was really cold, I think the coldest I have ever played in.
“Once we were warmed up it was a little bit better. On the shooting it was a little bit heavy, it is not easy to play in this weather.
“We had the right attitude, played the game that we prepared and we are really happy to take the three points.”
Chelsea are next in action against Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday.
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