Chelsea – Gent: The Blues Breeze Past Gent to Earn Their First Conference League Win (4-2)

Chelsea jump-started their Conference League campaign with a well-earned victory at Stamford Bridge against Gent. The Blues dominated proceedings, controlling the majority of the game. However, the visitors held their own defensively and made the most of their few attacking opportunities. Nonetheless, Chelsea secured a comfortable three points on the opening day and maintained their hot form.

Tactical analysis and match report by Fahd Ahmed.

Chelsea are one of the most decorated clubs in England with a strong history of winning European competitions. Despite a disappointing finish last season, missing out on UEFA Europa League qualification, Chelsea now have the chance to make history as the first club to complete the European set by winning the UEFA Conference League.

The west London club took the first steps to fulfilling that ambitious mission with a commanding 4-2 win over Belgian side KAA Gent. Chelsea carried their September Premier League form onto the European stage in the first week of October with a dominant performance. Despite making eleven changes to the lineup from their last game against Brighton, Enzo Maresca’s team gelled well and displayed tactical astuteness on the night.

Despite the quality gap in personnel between the two sides, Gent exhibited a solid defensive performance, particularly in the first half, where they limited Chelsea's chances. Considering Gent usually adopt a more possession-oriented style in their domestic league, their defensive tactical nous was impressive. Nevertheless, Chelsea’s quality on the ball eventually overrode any defensive solidity the visitors showed with a better offensive showing in the second half.

Setting the tactical tone

Chelsea set the tone from kick-off, settling into their 3-1-6 . . .