Chelsea player ratings vs Copenhagen: Reece James and Enzo Fernandez get the Blues over the line! Cole Palmer has another off night as Enzo Maresca's men escape Conference League clash with narrow win

James and Fernandez were the scorers as the Blues turned in a professional performance to beat Copenhagen 2-1 in the Conference League

The first half hour of the round of 16 first leg between Chelsea and Copenhagen was characterised by a midfield battle, but Malo Gusto did suffer an injury, and asked to be substituted, being replaced by Marc Cucurella as Enzo Maresca shuffled his defensive pack.

At half-time, Maresca made a triple change, introducing Enzo Fernandez, Christopher Nkunku, and Levi Colwill, and within a minute, they were ahead, as Reece James slammed a long-range effort into the bottom corner from range.

The game opened up thereafter and Chelsea took advantage after the hour mark, as Fernandez finished Tyrique George's cut-back after the Blues won the ball high up the pitch.

With 10 minutes to go, Chelsea were given a fright through Gabriel Pereira's brilliant header at the back post, giving Copenhagen hope of a sensational comeback.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Parken...

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Goalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (6/10):
Beaten all ends up by Pereira's header. Solid otherwise, making some good saves throughout the first half in particular.
Malo Gusto (6/10):
Substituted in the first half after taking a knock. Attempted to play on but succumbed and was replaced by Cucurella.
Trevoh Chalobah (6/10):
Solid and always willing to put his body on the line. Maybe a little too willing to go airborne in the tackle and both he and Tosin left Pereira free, but a solid showing overall.
Tosin Adarabioyo (6/10):
He and Chalobah both seemed confused as to whether they should mark Pereira before his goal but a physically impressive performance.
Benoit Badiashile (6/10):
Did okay in the first half but was subbed at half-time as Maresca shuffled his cards.

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Midfield
Moises Caicedo (5/10):
Overwhelmed a little by Copenhagen's surprisingly ferocious press. Subbed at half-time.
Reece James (8/10):
Played in a hybrid 6 role and scored the opening goal, smashing in a brilliant effort from the edge of the box. A captain's display, leading Chelsea forward.
Kieran Dewsbury-Hall (6/10):
Tidy when the ball came to him but didn't affect the game all that much from his midfield position.
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Attack
Cole Palmer (5/10):
Surprisingly quiet going forward but was diligent defensively throughout. Subbed with 15 minutes to go. Not his finest night.
Shim Mheuka (5/10):
Only his third appearance for the club. Barely touched the ball and was subbed at half-time.
Tyrique George (7/10):
Fine assist for Fernandez to make it 2-0. Brave, always trying to make something happen, and grabbed his chance with both hands.

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Subs & Manager
Marc Cucurella (7/10):
Replaced Gusto after the right-back's injury. Won the ball high up to kickstart Chelsea's move for Fernandez's goal. Played well.
Levi Colwill (7/10):
Replaced Badiashile at half-time. Slotted straight into the defence and never looked troubled.
Christopher Nkunku (7/10):
On for youngster Mheuka at the interval. Involved in Fernandez's goal with a clever reverse pass to George. Copenhagen didn't really get near him.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
On for Caicedo at half-time. Finished George's cut-back to give Chelsea a 2-0 lead. Did receive a silly late booking for kicking the ball away but only a slight blot on his copybook.
Jadon Sancho (6/10):
On for Cole Palmer but was equally quiet.
Enzo Maresca (7/10):
His side put in a remarkably professional display, despite a late lapse of concentration, and he got his substitutions spot on. He will be mightily confident they can see this out at Stamford Bridge.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager