A competition that felt like a poor consolation prize has had surprising benefits for Enzo Maresca and his players

Goals from Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke and a brace from Nicholas Jackson gave Chelsea a comfortable 4-1 win over Swedish side Djurgarden on a tricky artificial pitch in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final on Thursday.

Chelsea strolled to a comfortable 4-1 win at Djurgarden in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final on Thursday to all but book their spot in the final.Maresca's side have one foot in the final of the Conference League in their debut campaign in the third-tier European competition.