To the shock of nobody, Chelsea continued to demonstrate that they are, indeed, far too strong for the Conference League and that the only team able stop Enzo Maresca from winning the competition is a complacent version of themselves. With progression through the knockout stages assured with a match left and a spot in the top-eight also decided now, it is job done.
Perhaps there is a question to ask over whether Chelsea had to be even as strong as they have been when fielding second-string sides on Thursday nights so far this season. With four teenagers in the starting XI against Astana in the south-east of Kazakhstan, quality was not compromised.
Maresca saw his side ease to a 3-1 win after going ahead early on. Even taking their eye off the ball slightly in freezing conditions there was little doubt about the result, as has been the norm in these types of games.
Sam Rak-Sakyi made his third appearance of the season and earned a third start along with the return of Josh Acheampong - how he would have benefited from the additional minutes in Europe instead of being exiled during a contract standoff - whilst Tyrique George and Marc Guiu both continued in attack. None of this group will have a part to play against Brentford on Sunday.
Pedro Neto cannot play due to suspension and the bench named by Maresca was full of Cobham hopefuls or part-graduates in a showing of youth excellence. Chelsea could have done this more throughout the group phase and will get the chance to later this month against Shamrock Rovers as well as presumably into the knockout stages which may well bring much of the same until the final rounds.
Maresca has, it is clear, had to balance the squad and get minutes to those on the outside of the main Premier League squad somehow, but when matches are this simple it does bare considering. What this does allow is for Chelsea to attack a busy period with full fitness.
They are currently second in the table and attempting to close down Liverpool as much as move away from those competing for the top four. The Conference League is an opportunity and a privilege that their rivals do not have and must now be fully exploited in the weeks to come.
Here, football.london looks at the fixtures on the horizon and how they compare with the title challengers.
Brentford (H) - Premier League - Sunday, December 15
Chelsea have a poor recent record against Brentford. In fact, only once since Thomas Frank's side were promoted from the Championship in 2021 have Chelsea actually beaten the Bees in the Premier League.
That was at first time of asking in October 2021 before a League Cup victory followed. Since then it has been three defeats and two draws, including damaging results for Mauricio Pochettino last season.
Maresca will hope that with a fully rested squad he can turn those fortunes around. Like Chelsea, Brentford have been a lot of fun to watch this season and boast the second-most goals scored (behind only the Blues) but have also let in the fourth most as well. Expect a busy day for the goalkeepers.
Shamrock Rovers (H) - Conference League - Thursday, December 19
The last European action of 2024 for Chelsea and it looks, on paper, like another chance to rotate most of the senior squad. There will likely be more chances for the youngsters on show against Astana to get minutes under their belt and for some it will could offer up a home debut as well.
Shamrock, like the other Conference League teams, have very little to threaten Chelsea with even if a second (maybe even third) string side is put out. Ahead of a busy week or so over the New Year, this is an ideal opportunity for Maresca to pick up yet another win.
Everton (A) - Premier League - Sunday, December 22
Although Brentford and Fulham (to come) are above Everton in the table, there is just something about matches at Goodison Park that Chelsea hate. The club have a horrible record in Merseyside and will be keen to put that behind them.
This is highly likely to be the last time they play at the old stadium before Everton move and that just makes things all the more interesting. Chelsea know how dangerous it can be going to Everton and this is a fixture they have slipped up in many times before.
Fulham (H) - Premier League - Thursday, December 26
Boxing Day brings a local derby for Chelsea and another banana skin match. Fulham are impressing once again under Marco Silva and sit just four points from Brighton in seventh after drawing with Arsenal on Sunday.
Chelsea boast a much better recent history against their neighbours but will be wary of the way Fulham pushed Manchester City earlier this season and the form of Raul Jimenez, especially. It is the sort of match that teams in a title race are expected to win.
Ipswich Town (A) - Premier League - Monday, December 30
Finishing off what has been a much improved 2024 for Chelsea is a visit to Portman Road. There is more than just an element of Luton Town about Ipswich and that poses a warning.
Under the lights, Kieran McKenna's side are sure to be up for welcoming Chelsea even if they are yet to win at home this season. The ground is waiting for a statement victory to get things going but despite plenty of battling, Ipswich are already in danger of being cut adrift. Chelsea will be seeking to prove a point.
Liverpool next five fixtures in all competitions
Fulham (H) - Premier League - Saturday, December 14.
Southampton (A) - Carabao Cup - Wednesday, December 18.
Tottenham (A) - Premier League - Sunday, December 22.
Leicester City (H) - Premier League - Thursday, December 26.
West Ham (A) - Premier League - Sunday, December 29,
Arsenal next five fixtures in all competitions
Everton (H) - Premier League - Saturday, December 14.
Crystal Palace (H) - Carabao Cup - Wednesday, December 18.
Crystal Palace (A) - Premier League - Saturday, December 21.
Ipswich Town (H) - Premier League - Friday, December 27.
Brentford (A) - Premier League - Wednesday, January 1.
Manchester City next five fixtures in all competitions
Manchester United (H) - Premier League - Sunday, December 15.
Aston Villa (A) - Premier League - Saturday, Saturday, December 21.
Everton (H) - Premier League - Thursday, December 26.
Leicester City (A) - Premier League - Sunday, December 29.
West Ham (H) - Premier League - Saturday, January 4.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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