Chelsea secured top spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage in emphatic style, thrashing Shamrock Rovers 5-1 at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night to maintain their flawless record.
Enzo Maresca’s heavily rotated team cruised to victory, with teenage forward Marc Guiu delivering a first-half hat-trick.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Cucurella also found the net in a dominant performance that ensured the Blues wrapped up the league phase with six wins from six and progressed directly to the last 16 in March.
Shamrock Rovers, despite a spirited campaign, ended up outside the top eight after their first defeat of the group stage.
The Irish side dropped to 10th, setting up a challenging two-legged knockout play-off early next year.
The game saw its fair share of drama, with Rovers’ traveling fans—numbering around 3,000—creating a vibrant atmosphere.
They momentarily delayed the match by throwing streams of white ribbon onto the pitch as Christopher Nkunku prepared to take a corner.
However, their team faltered in defense, conceding the opener in the 22nd minute. Darragh Burns, on loan from MK Dons, misjudged Renato Veiga’s long ball, attempting to head it back to his goalkeeper. Instead, Guiu pounced, nodding in from close range to put Chelsea ahead.
Shamrock quickly responded, forcing a fine save from Filip Jorgensen to deny Johnny Kenny, on loan from Celtic.
Their equalizer came moments later, courtesy of Markus Poom, whose low shot deflected off Cesare Casadei and found the back of the net.
The parity was short-lived, though, as another defensive error from Rovers gifted Chelsea their second. Daniel Cleary, under no pressure, played an errant back pass that Guiu intercepted with ease.
The young striker rounded goalkeeper Leon Pohls and finished expertly from a tight angle.
Chelsea extended their lead before halftime, with Dewsbury-Hall capitalizing on a loose ball in the box after Nkunku was tackled. Guiu then completed his hat-trick just before the break, heading home a precise cross from Noni Madueke.
The onslaught continued in the second half. Chelsea created numerous chances, and Cucurella—suspended for their upcoming Premier League clash with Everton—sealed the scoring.
The Spaniard finished a slick passing move with a composed strike off the post, capping a memorable night for the hosts.
