Reggie Walsh immediately made Chelsea historical past of their UEFA Convention League semi-final win in opposition to Djurgarden.
The midfielder was chosen within the Blues’ beginning XI for the second leg 1-0 victory over their Swedish guests at Stamford Bridge.
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Walsh made his first Chelsea debut within the first leg when he got here off the bench late on of their 4-1 triumph final week.
And he went one step additional for the west London facet on Thursday night time by getting into the report books proper from kick-off.
On the age of 16 years and 200 days, Walsh turned Chelsea’s youngest ever starter in a European competitors.
He surpassed Shim Mheuka, who claimed the report at 17 years and 137 days outdated in opposition to FC Copenhagen of their last-16 first leg win.
Maresca was requested about Walsh’s inclusion in opposition to Djurgarden earlier than the match, and advised TNT Sports activities: “He’s a expertise.
“Excellent. His method is unbelievable. I actually like him between the traces
“You possibly can see instantly he has one thing.
“For positive as a result of he’s solely 17/18 he nonetheless must work onerous, however I just like the character.
“He has labored with us throughout the season and he isn’t shy, he’s at all times asking for the ball.
“He’s shouting and speaking, which I like. He is participant.”
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Walsh impressed for Chelsea on his first full outing and helped them seal a 1-0 win, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor scoring the winner.
It sealed a 5-1 combination win over Djurgarden and has despatched them to the Convention League remaining on Might 28.
Actual Betis beat Fiorentina 4-3 on combination to substantiate themselves as Chelsea’s opponents.
The Blues have at all times been favourites to turn out to be finalists in Wroclaw, Poland later within the month.
It is the primary time the two-time Champions League winners have performed within the Convention League, which debuted in 2021.
Chelsea have received 11 of their 12 matches within the competitors, with one defeat coming in opposition to Legia Warsaw.
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Maresca’s facet have additionally scored 38 objectives and conceded simply 9.
Their consideration now turns in direction of an enormous Premier League conflict at Newcastle on Sunday within the race for a high 5 end.
