Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was delighted with his players who performed in harsh conditions in their latest Europa Conference League triumph.
It was a routine win for the Blues in Kazakhstan, overcoming FC Astana 3-1.
The West Londoners took control early, scoring twice in five minutes.
Marc Guiu was the scorer of both goals, the first a brilliant solo run and the second a scrappy scramble over the line.
Renato Veiga netted the third for Chelsea, putting them in total control.
Astana did pull one back thanks to a fabulous effort that struck the post and went in just before half-time.
Enzo Maresca sings the praises of Tyrique George, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Josh Acheampong as @ChelseaFC‘s youngsters shine in freezing temperatures 🌟
HaytersTV the ONLY UK media outlet on the ground in Almaty 🇰🇿@ArthurFerridge
See Enzo in full here 👇https://t.co/mznqjjiHcy pic.twitter.com/4fm72uZZ6h
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) December 12, 2024
But that was about their only good chance of the half and the match.
It was totally controlled by the visitors and Maresca was more than happy to heap praise on his young squad.
Speaking to HaytersTV after the game, he said: “We knew it was quite cold; we tried to adapt, and the players did fantastic.
“The conditions, long flight, journey, and the pitch were not ideal, but overall, I am very happy for the players”
Chelsea fielded a young squad including several unfamiliar names.
And the ex-Leicester boss was more than happy to name and praise them for getting the job done.
He added: “All of them, all of them, the ones who start, Tyrique, Sam, and Josh, they have all done very, very well!
”Happy for them. Also the ones who came in the 2nd half! Pleased for them.”
The win keeps Chelsea at the top of the Conference League standings after five games.
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