Chelsea secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over KAA Gent in the UEFA Conference League, overcoming moments of vulnerability to maintain their perfect start in the competition. The Blues, eager to assert their dominance in this European contest, produced an entertaining display at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealing the win.
First Half: Chelsea in Control
Chelsea came flying out of the gates, immediately putting Gent under pressure. The opening goal came early in the 12th minute when Renato Veiga met Mykhaylo Mudryk’s inch-perfect cross with a towering header to give the home side a deserved lead. From that point on, Chelsea controlled much of the first half, with their midfield trio of Dewsbury-Hall, Veiga, and Nkunku bossing the centre of the park. Gent struggled to create any significant chances as Chelsea’s defence stood firm.
Just after the break, Chelsea doubled their lead. Pedro Neto, showing great composure and attacking flair, fired in a clinical finish after a well-timed assist from Axel Disasi. The goal looked to have settled the contest in Chelsea’s favour.
Second Half: Gent Fight Back, Chelsea Respond
Despite Chelsea’s dominance, Gent refused to go down without a fight. Tsuyoshi Watanabe clawed one back for the visitors with a powerful header in the 50th minute, reminding Chelsea that the game was far from over.
Chelsea quickly responded, however, with Christopher Nkunku restoring their two-goal lead in the 63rd minute following a slick passing move that left Gent’s defence chasing shadows. Nkunku’s goal settled Chelsea’s nerves, and they began to push for more.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added a fourth goal in the 70th minute, capitalising on a defensive mix-up by Gent to slot home, effectively ending any hope of a comeback for the Belgian side. Gent did manage to grab a consolation goal in stoppage time through Omri Gandelman, but it was too little, too late.
