Chelsea conquered the conditions and the chaos during a sub zero trip to Kazakhstan for a clash with Astana in the Europa Conference League on Thursday evening
17:32, 12 Dec 2024Updated 17:34, 12 Dec 2024
Marc Guiu of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Pedro Neto during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Astana and Chelsea FC at Almaty Ortalyk Stadion on December 12, 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Chelsea won the freezing clash in the Far East(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
It was a winter wonderland in the Far East when Chelsea touched down.
However, Enzo Marseca's side weren't frozen by the occasion - much like they haven't been for the rest of the season - as they beat Astana 3-1 to retain their spot at the top of the Europa Conference League table.
The Blues took to the pitch in conditions that plummeted below -10 degrees in the capital of Kazakhstan. Astana's shot-stopper donned a bobble hat, while others wore leggings as the temperature continued to drop throughout the 90 minutes.
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The Blues had the game all but wrapped up by half-time.
Marc Guiu got the party started when he picked the ball up out-wide, beat his man and found the back of the net. He would then double up a few minutes later - as Chelsea looked set to run away with the clash.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Chelsea prepares to take a corner kick during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Astana and Chelsea FC at Almaty Ortalyk Stadion on December 12, 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Temperatures plummeted below zero(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Renato Veiga netted the Blues third of the game in the 39th minute, but with the game at risk of being turned into a rout, Astana hit back through Marin Tomasov on the stroke of half-time.
Chelsea have now retained their spot at the top of the Europa Conference league table, with a 100 per cent record after five games on the continent. They could confirm their spot in the Last 16 if result go their way later this evening (December 12).
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Only one other team has a 100 per cent record, Polish giants Legia Warszawa. Legia are in action later in the evening as they welcome Lugano to Poland.
The Blues final European clash before the knockout rounds will come next Thursday against Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge.