Chelsea edged closer to reaching the Conference League final by securing a strong aggregate lead in the semi-final first leg against Djurgarden in Stockholm, Sweden.
On Thursday night, the Blues won 4-1 against Swedish outfit Djurgarden in the away tie. It means they’re in total control for next Thursday’s second leg at Stamford Bridge.
As for the other semi-final in the Conference League, Real Betis won 2-1 at home to Fiorentina in the first leg.
Chelsea flexed their muscles to record an expected win versus Djurgarden, with the goals coming from Nicolas Jackson (two), Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke.
On top of that, it was a special moment to see 16-year-old prospect Reggie Walsh make his first-team debut with a late cameo appearance. Nicolas Jackson talked up Reggie Walsh after the teenage midfielder’s senior debut.
Photo by Linnea Rheborg - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Linnea Rheborg – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Fotbollskanalen, the Swedish media publication, did single out Blues goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen for praise after his Conference League performance.
In a review of Djurgarden versus Chelsea, they wrote: “Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen did a brilliant job but was not allowed to keep a clean sheet.”
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Blues striker Jackson will get the headlines for his two-goal contribution as a half-time substitute, but Jorgensen had to make some key interventions in Chelsea’s net.
The 23-year-old keeper made a few smart saves, particularly with one effort that he tipped over the crossbar. His distribution in passing out from the back was pretty clean, too.
Minutes played Saves Goals conceded xGOT faced Accurate passes High claim Match rating
90 4 1 1.97 28/30 (93%) 2 8.2
Chelsea’s Filip Jorgensen vs Djurgarden via FOTMOB
Jorgensen had a brief spell as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper earlier in the season before losing the role to Robert Sanchez again. While he’s looked a bit shaky in the Premier League during his first year in England, he’s been relatively comfortable in the Conference League.
Chelsea retain full faith on Filip Jorgensen despite his shaky debut year with them.
At the age of 23, the young shot-stopper is still very early into his development and journey as a gloveman. It’ll be interesting to see where his future lies next season because Chelsea are planning a full review of their goalkeepers in the summer period.
Photo by Linnea Rheborg - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Linnea Rheborg – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Filip Jorgensen should be Chelsea’s number two next season
For now, we like Jorgensen in a role as Chelsea’s second-choice goalkeeper, and it’s something we’d prefer to see again next season.
It’s pretty clear that the Blues need to find an upgrade in between the sticks to be their first-choice keeper for the 2025/26 campaign. However, Jorgensen is the right profile to be the main understudy again.
Competition Appearances Goals conceded Clean sheets
Conference League 10 8 4
Premier League 6 9 1
Conference League qualifiers 2 2 1
Carabao Cup 2 2 1
FA Cup 1 0 1
Chelsea’s Filip Jorgensen across all competitions in the 2024/25 season
Even though Strasbourg are interested in Filip Jorgensen as a loan signing for next season, we’re not sure it would be the right move for him because he deserves more time at the club.