In a captivating Conference League clash, Chelsea defeats Gent 4-2, thanks to standout performances from Nkunku and Dewsbury-Hall. Read more about the game.
Introduction:
Chelsea started their UEFA Conference League campaign with a confident win over Gent, during which the team demonstrated its superiority at almost all points of the game. They controlled possession, exploited spaces, and featured a good balance between defense and attack. Every key moment in their 4-2 victory featured clinical finishing and outstanding teamwork.
Former Corinthians winger Renato Veiga continued to play multiple roles for Chelsea. This 22-year-old youngster has been inserted as a full-back with a twist-a midfield player.
Playing on the left, Renato Veiga demonstrated a tendency to tuck in and occupy a central midfield position when Chelsea were playing out from the back.
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The increasing habit of full-backs to play higher up opened up key areas of the pitch for Chelsea to win the ball. Veiga’s crossing and support for Chelsea in midfield helped to stretch Gent’s defense. He was clearly in phonebook with Mykhailo Mudryk throughout the game, urging the winger to stay wide as much as possible and open up more space for Chelsea to go at.

The early goal: Veiga influence inside the box
Chelsea opened the scoring with a well-coordinated attack starting from right-hand side wit Mudryk. Kepa is given an accurate cross all the way to the far post, where Renato Veiga’s towering leap finds space in which to head the ball across the goal and into the far corner of the pitch, finding Chelsea in a 1-0 lead. This goal showcases a flexibility by Veiga not only on defense but also as an aerial threat. His contribution is a testament to his growing importance in Chelsea’s system, blending both defensive duties with attacking flair.
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Strong Defensive Shape with Casadei on the Side
There were three athletic defenders, though on Chelsea’s bench was the protection and added solidity to their structure; the three center backs flanked by Cesare Casadei to provide an added layer of protection in front. This almost allowed Chelsea’s nippy, creative forwards to push forward, knowing that the defense would cover the width of the pitch when they needed it to.
Chelsea’s organization held Gent at bay mostly during counter-attacks where Gent found a direct route to the net.

Tactical Influence of Maresca
Looking down from the stand, Enzo Maresca’s lively presence in the technical area brought him something closer to his mentor, Pep Guardiola. He was never still, anxious to drive an influence over every phase of the game. Maresca’s set-up with control and width proved effective, Chelsea had 70% possession at halftime, and were easily ahead. Yet Gent’s fleeting moments of attacking play reminded one that this game could change in an instant.

A Perfect Start to the Second Half
Chelsea doubled their lead shortly after the interval when Disasi launched a long, pinpoint pass from midfield. Pedro Neto controlled it expertly inside the box, before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-0. That was a direct result of the wide attacking setup of Chelsea that allowed lots of open space for their quick wingers to exploit.

Gent’s Reaction and Chance to Survive
While Chelsea was utterly on top of things, Gent reacted with a great goal. A wise cross by Gudjohnsen sent Watanabe to a header emphatically back into the game at 2-1. Their pressure meant that they could finally take advantage of one of the rare openings that were left. Therefore, they still caused trouble for the hosts.

Renato Veiga’s Assist and Nkunku’s Strike
Chelsea matched this with a third for themselves, courtesy of Renato Veiga, making his third contribution to the game. Crosses from down the left continued to arrive, and in the melee, Christopher Nkunku found himself on the receiving end; his shot back to the goalkeeper’s legs and in. Again, it seemed more like he was going for the shot this time, but it ended in the net, and Veiga added another assist to his bag. Chelsea’s third told more of the story of the control Chelsea were having at the game.

Dewsbury-Hall’s Reward
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added a fourth for Chelsea, finishing low after a failed clearance, for 4-1. He’s been hungry for a goal and impressed everyone by working so hard, and the way he’s celebrating shows he is pleased with the display.

Late Drama from Gent
Gent levelled matters just minutes before the finish, but a well-worked right-flank move that allowed Gandelman to blast home from Dean’s pass would only serve as a late consolation in a game where Chelsea’s superiority was there for all to see.

Conclusion: A Dominant Display
Chelsea’s 4-2 victory over Gent is a dominance in the possession, tactical superiority, and clinical finishing: the influence of Renato Veiga runs very central to both success in defense and attack as the balance of this team allowed them to dominate huge stretches of the game, though their spirited response was not quite enough for Gent in the end.