Chelsea are all-but through to the next round of the Europa Conference League after overcoming freezing conditions and a long trip to beat Astana 3-1 in Kazakhstan.
Enzo Maresca’s charges were two goals to the good after just 18 minutes as Blues youngster Marc Guiu scored the opener and then forced an own goal.
Chelsea then added a third on 38 minutes as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall whipped in a corner that Renato Veiga headed in unmarked from close range.
Astana managed to get one back on the stroke of half-time as Marin Tomasov curled a left-footed effort in off the far post.
However, there was to be no dramatic second-half fight-back as Chelsea set off on their eight-hour trip back to London with all three points.
Not only did the Blues keep up their stunning record in the competition, but several young stars showed their class, including one who is reminiscent of Cesar Azpilicueta.
Renato Veiga of Chelsea attempts to shoot whilst under pressure during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Astana ...
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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How Renato Veiga is similar to Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta
The player in question is Renato Veiga, who got Chelsea’s third goal on the night and delivered a solid display throughout.
The 21-year-old has been used sparingly in the Premier League this season, but he’s really made a name for himself thanks to his Europa Conference League exploits.
Veiga once again showed how calm and composed he is at the back, and he once again proved how good he is when it comes to making advanced passes.
The Portugal international delivered three key passes in the game, won all three of his aerial duels, and found the target with four of his seven long balls.
In addition, Veiga took 98 touches of the ball, boasted a pass accuracy of 88 percent, and also weighed in with four interceptions and two clearances.
And aside from his match stats, Veiga has been impressing in a variety of positions since his £12million move from Basel.
He has featured at left-back, centre-back, in defensive midfield and on the left wing for Chelsea this term.
Azpilicueta joined Chelsea for just £7million back in 2012 and made over 500 appearances for them, also becoming captain and winning numerous trophies at Stamford Bridge.
Veiga, who has also joined Chelsea for a low price and is also a versatile and composed defender, may well following in the Spaniard’s footsteps.
Football.london gave Veiga a 7 out of 10 rating and wrote: ‘Looks comfortable and relaxed all the time.
‘Great header for his second goal of the season. Probably needed to be a bit tighter to Tomasov for his goal.’
Meanwhile, The Express gave the Portuguese talent an 8 out of 10 and wrote: ‘A standard performance from somebody who is becoming Mr Reliable. Got a goal to add to his tally.’
Mr Reliable is certainly something that was said about Azpilicueta in his Chelsea days.
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