It is advantage Chelsea in the Conference League round of 16 with a 2-1 victory against Copenhagen in Denmark, with the Blues putting in a much improved second-half display at the Parken Stadium.
At the age of 17 years and four months, Shim Mheuka made his full debut for the Blues after impressing in a late cameo appearance against Southampton last week. However, there was not many chances for the teenager to impress going forward, with very little going on around him.
It was an extremely slow first-half where Chelsea had plenty of the ball but struggled to attack with any sort of speed whatsoever. Right after the whistle blew to start the season-half, however, and Chelsea found the all important opening goal.
Some good work from Marc Cucurella on the left wing saw him pull the ball back to Reece James, whose first-time strike had enough to find the bottom corner. Copenhagen almost replied immediately but Viktor Claesson's effort came off the inside of the post.
Around 20 minutes later and it was two for the visitors in the Danish capital. Enzo Fernandez, on at half-time, placed the ball into the far corner to give the west Londoners a two-goal cushion. Gabriel Pereira scored with 10 minutes to go with a free header to pull the Danes back into the tie.
The score remained 2-1, with the Blues having the advantage going into next week's second-leg at Stamford Bridge. Below, **Bobby Vincent** rates the Chelsea players based on their performance out of 10.
**Robert Sanchez** - Very straightforward evening for the most part. Not sure he could do much about the goal. **6**.
**Trevoh Chalobah** - Solid. Passed the ball well. Wasn't tested too much. **6**.
**Tosin Adarabioyo** - Dominant in the air. He never seems to lose a header. **6**.
**Benoit Badiashile** - Great to see him back. His physicality helped Chelsea. **6**.
**Malo Gusto** - Picked up an injury. Lasted just 24 minutes. **N/A**.
**Reece James** - Used in midfield as he was at Villa Park last month. Scored a fantastic goal, a captain's goal for the Blues. **8**.
**Moises Caicedo** - His usual busy self in there; winning tackles and making interceptions. The engine room of the Chelsea midfield. Off at half-time. **7**.
**Tyrique George** \- Took him a while to get involved but ended up with a nice assist. **7**.
**Cole Palmer** - Close with a volley early on. Quiet otherwise. Some great defensive work throughout the game which bumps up his rating by one. Off on 72 minutes with Sunday in mind. **6**.
**Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall** \- Pressed well, but on the ball, it was not good enough. **4**.
**Shim Mheuka** - His first senior start and just his third appearance. Off at half-time. **5**.
**Marc Cucurella (on for Gusto 24')** \- On after less than 25 minutes because Gusto was forced off. Did really well to set James up for the opening goal. **7**.
**Enzo Fernandez (on for Caicedo 46')** \- Did brilliantly for his goal to open up his body and guide the ball into the far corner. **8**.
**Levi Colwill (on for Badiashile 46')** \- Really not sure what he was doing for the goal. **4**.
**Christopher Nkunku (on for Mheuka 46')** \- Injected some speed and intensity into the attack, which was needed. Did really well to win the ball back for Fernandez's goal. **7**.
**Jadon Sancho (on for Palmer 72')** \- Not too involved, but he didn't have much time to be. **N/A**.