Marc Cucurella and Pedro Neto send Reece James messages after Chelsea goal
Reece James has received messages from Chelsea teammates Pedro Neto and Marc Cucurella after his key contribution to their UEFA Conference League win over Copenhagen.
Enzo Maresca‘s side travelled to Denmark on Thursday night (6 March) for the first leg of their round of 16 clash in that competition.
James endured another spell out of the Chelsea squad with injury earlier this season, and has been in and out of the starting lineup since his return to action.
He was however, back in the first XI for that European clash against the Danish giants, and would make a significant impact in that match.
Reece James hailed after contribution vs Copenhagen
After a goalless first half, leading to the substitution of Shim Mheuka on his first Chelsea start, it was James who fired his side into the lead just seconds after the action resumed after the break.
The Blues captain found the bottom corner with a long-range effort to give his side a welcome opening goal.
Enzo Fernandez would double the lead for the Blues 20 minutes later, before although Gabriel Pereira pulled one back for the hosts in the 79th minute.
| Reece James vs Copenhagen | Total (as per SofaScore) |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 1 |
| Shots off Target | 0 |
| Successful Passes | 82/86 |
| Duels Won | 3/5 |
| Defensive Actions | 3 |
Even so, Chelsea will take a 2-1 lead into the second leg at Stamford Bridge next week, with James clearly pleased with that result.
Taking to his Instagram page to reflect on the win, the right-back wrote: “Huge team performance tonight, thanks to the travelling fans”.
In response, Cucurella commented on that post with a “Siuuuuu” alongside a flames emoji in an apparent reference to James’ goal and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Meanwhile, winger Neto also responded with his own praise for the Chelsea right-back by commenting “What a player.”
Chelsea must go all the way in the Conference League
Football Insider Verdict
After defeats in the FA Cup and League Cup and given they are fifth in the Premier League 21 points behind leaders Liverpool, the Conference League is all Maresca’s side have to play for this season.
Going into this competition though, they were big favourites to lift the title come the end of the campaign, something they surely have to do.
Maresca has already come under fire from Chelsea fans over his comments about the club not being in a position to win more than one trophy at this moment in time.
It is therefore vital for him that they do at least win the one they are still competing for and expected to win to prevent any more pressure on him.
With that in mind the fact that Chelsea are taking a lead into a second leg at home next week, leaving them in a strong position, will at least provide some relief for the Italian.