Chelsea continued their fine recent form with a 3-1 win over Kazakh side FC Astana despite Enzo Maresca ringing the changes for the Conference League clash.
Maresca made 10 changes from the starting XI that beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 on Sunday, with Axel Disasi and Pedro Neto the most experienced players to begin the game in sub-zero temperatures in Astana.
Marc Guiu opened the scoring inside 15 minutes after an excellent solo run from the right-hand side of the artificial pitch before prodding past Mukhamedjan Seysen.
Aleksandr Marochkin then compounded his side’s woes with a own goal shortly afterwards from a powerful Neto cross, before Renato Veiga made it 3-0 with a simple header from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner before half-time.
Marc Guiu opened the scoring for Chelsea in Astana.
Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Astana did grab one back before the break as forward Marin Tomasov showed fine footwork to dribble into the opposition penalty box before picking out the top-left corner of Filip Jørgensen’s net.
Maresca had complained about the 16-hour round trip to Kazakhstan ahead of their Premier League clash with Brentford on Sunday, but will be grateful to have not needed many of his experienced stars.
Chelsea have now automatically qualified for the round of 16 in the Conference League and sit second in the Premier League, four points behind Liverpool who have a game in hand.
Astana, who acquitted themselves admirably against their better-resourced opponents, are 24th in the 32-team standings.