Chelsea continued their quest for the UEFA Conference League (UECL) title as they defeated FC Copenhagen 2-1 at Parken in Thursday’s round of 16 first leg action, Afrosport reports.
After a goalless first half, Blues captain Reece James put them in front after the break off an assist from Euro 2024 winner Marc Cucurella before 2022 FIFA World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez doubled the lead in the 65th minute.
Despite the deficit on home soil, Copenhagen kept knocking and scored their consolation goal thanks to Brazilian defender Gabriel Pereira with 11 minutes let on the clock.
Meanwhile, Real Betis were also unable to make home advantage count as they played out a 2-2 draw with Vitoria Guimaraes at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
DR Congo forward Cedric Bakambu first had a goal disallowed for offside by VAR in the 13th minute but was going to be denied two minutes into the second half when he was set up nicely by Manchester United loanee Antony.
Joao Mendes equalised for Guimaraes but Betis were able to regain their lead in the 75th minute thanks to former Real Madrid midfielder Isco.
Guimaraes had one last say and it came courtesy of Nelson Oliveira in the 81st minute.
What a night of football 😍#UECL pic.twitter.com/xzXFuRBvEK
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) March 6, 2025
In other results, Greek giants Panathinaikos stunned two-time Conference League runners-up Fiorentina 3-2 while Molde defeated Legia Warsaw 3-2.
Rapid Vienna drew 1-1 with Borac Banja Luka while Celje of Slovenia defeated 10-man Lugano 1-0, Jagiellonia defeated 10-man Cercle Brugge 3-0 and Pafos edged Djurgarden 1-0.
