The second leg of the 2024/25 Conference League semi-final between Chelsea (England) and Djurgården (Sweden) will take place on May 8 at Stamford Bridge in London. The score of the first match was 4-1 in favor of Chelsea. Chelsea vs. Djurgården: prediction and statistics.
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca's side dominated Djurgården in the first match with a 4-1 victory, marking their 11th win in the current Conference League campaign. In only one of these wins have the Londoners scored fewer than two goals. To advance to the next round, the British team can afford to lose by a two-goal margin. However, Chelsea has only suffered two defeats in this tournament, both by the narrowest of margins. Moreover, in their last 15 semi-final matches across all European competitions, the club has lost only once.
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of Chelsea's last 7 Conference League games.
- The team has conceded in 5 of their last 7 matches in this tournament.
- Chelsea has won 5 of their last 6 home matches in the Conference League (1 loss).
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-3-3)
Philip Jorgensen – Joshua Achimpong, Benoit Badiashile, Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo – Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – Tyrique George, Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho.
Forward Marc Guehi will not play due to injury.
Djurgården
The Swedes have lost the first leg in the Conference League playoffs for the third consecutive time in 2024/25. However, in the previous two instances, the team managed to achieve the necessary result in the return leg. Notably, in the Round of 16, Djurgården defeated their opponent 3-0. But now, a three-goal advantage will only take Jani Honkavaara's side to extra time. Additionally, the club has conceded in three consecutive matches for the fourth time in this tournament.
- The Scandinavians have scored in 13 of their last 15 Conference League games.
- Away from home, the team has not lost in 6 of their last 7 Conference League matches (4 wins, 2 draws).
- In 8 of their last 9 away games in this tournament, Djurgården has not conceded more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Djurgården (4-5-1)
Jakob Rinne – Keita Kosugi, Adam Stahl, Jakob Une Larsson, Marcus Danielsson – Daniel Stensson, August Priske, Hampus Finndell, Tobias Gulliksen, Santeri Haarala – Tokmac Chol Nguen.
Midfielders Rasmus Schüller, Patrik Oslund, forwards Nino Zugelj, and Oscar Fallenius are injured.
Referee
Joao Pinheiro (Portugal)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 35;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.9;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 25%.
Chelsea vs. Djurgården: Match Prediction
It is hard to imagine the Londoners squandering such an advantage in the return leg. In the previous round, Enzo Maresca's side also had a three-goal lead over Legia, but Chelsea lost the second match 1-2. The British team has learned their lesson, but one should not rule out potential complacency. Such a situation might negatively impact the hosts' defense, which already lacks reliability: the club has conceded in 5 of their last 7 Conference League matches. Additionally, the team might be preoccupied with an important Premier League match against Newcastle.
Djurgården has achieved remarkable results in this Conference League, becoming the first Swedish club since the 1986/87 season to reach the semi-finals of a European competition. In the return leg, Jani Honkavaara's side has nothing to lose, so the Scandinavians will push forward. The team has a successful history of overcoming deficits, thanks in large part to their strong attacking play, which has not been an issue: in the current playoffs, Djurgården has scored 6 goals in regular time, and in total, they have found the net in 14 of 17 matches in the 2024/25 Conference League.
My prediction: Djurgården Individual Total Over 0.5
