Marc Guiu and Josh Acheampong stole the spotlight in Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Astana, securing the Blues’ place in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16.
Guiu’s composed finishing earned him two early goals, while Acheampong impressed with a mature display on his first senior start.
Chelsea’s youthful lineup, which had an average age of just under 22, delivered a strong performance despite the freezing conditions in Kazakhstan.
Here’s how every Chelsea player fared in their latest European outing:
Chelsea Player Ratings vs Astana
Marc Guiu – 8.5/10
Guiu delivered an outstanding performance in Kazakhstan, scoring two goals within the first 15 minutes. His opening goal was a stunning solo effort, bursting past defenders and slotting confidently into the net. The second showcased his positioning and determination as he bundled home a Pedro Neto cross. Guiu’s presence in the box consistently troubled Astana’s defense and made him the standout player of the night.
Josh Acheampong – 7/10
Making his first senior start, Acheampong was a revelation at right-back. The 18-year-old played with composure and confidence, contributing a fantastic pass to Neto early on to set up Chelsea’s first big chance. Acheampong’s defensive awareness and ability to support attacks stood out, marking an exciting debut for the Academy star.
Filip Jorgensen – 6/10
The young goalkeeper didn’t have much to do throughout the match but handled himself well when called upon. He had no chance to save Marin Tomasov’s stunning strike, but his distribution and presence in goal were solid.
Axel Disasi – 6/10
Disasi had a comfortable evening in the heart of Chelsea’s defense. The Frenchman made some tidy interceptions and distributed the ball with ease, though he wasn’t tested much by Astana’s attack.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6/10
Partnering Disasi, Adarabioyo enjoyed a similarly quiet night. His long-range passing and composure under pressure were noticeable, but the game didn’t demand much defensive effort from him.
Renato Veiga – 7/10
The Portuguese midfielder showed his class and physicality in midfield. Veiga scored Chelsea’s third goal with a towering header from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner. However, he could have done more to prevent Tomasov’s strike just before halftime.
Sam Rak-Sakyi – 7/10
On his full Chelsea debut, Rak-Sakyi impressed with his composure on the ball and ability to play on the turn. The young midfielder looked comfortable in possession and played a key role in Chelsea’s dominance in midfield.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7/10
Dewsbury-Hall’s experience and leadership were evident as he dictated play from midfield. His pinpoint corner set up Veiga’s goal, and he covered a lot of ground throughout the match, ensuring Chelsea stayed in control.
Tyrique George – 6/10
Bright and lively on the left flank, George showed flashes of creativity but struggled to have the same impact as Neto on the opposite wing. A decent performance but not his best outing.
Carney Chukwuemeka – 6/10
In his first start in over a year, Chukwuemeka had a bright opening spell, showcasing his ability to draw fouls and create space. However, he appeared to tire as the game progressed, likely due to his lack of match fitness.
Pedro Neto – 8/10
The standout among Chelsea’s senior players, Neto was a constant threat on the right flank. He set up both of Guiu’s goals with his pace, precision, and creativity. Neto’s class was apparent throughout the match, and his link-up play with younger teammates was excellent.
Chelsea Substitutes
Ato Ampah – 6/10
Brought on at halftime for Neto, Ampah made his professional debut for Chelsea. The youngster showed glimpses of his potential with his explosive pace and fearless approach to taking on defenders.
Harvey Vale – 6/10
Returning to the first-team fold, Vale nearly scored with his first touch after coming on in the 67th minute. A solid cameo appearance from the Academy graduate.
Shumaira Mheuka – 6/10
Given his debut in the 78th minute, Mheuka’s time on the pitch was brief but promising. He didn’t see much of the ball but showed good movement and enthusiasm.
Kiano Dyer – N/A
Another Academy graduate to make his debut, Dyer came on late and didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
