Marc Cucurella and Trevoh Chalobah respond to heartfelt Enzo Fernandez message
Chelsea hold the advantage in their knockout tie against Copenhagen, with Enzo Fernandez finding the net in a crucial victory.
Chelsea took a significant step towards the Conference League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win away at Copenhagen.
Reece James broke the deadlock early in the second half with a stunning long-range strike after a tense goalless first half.
Fernandez then doubled the lead 20 minutes later, giving the Blues control of the tie. However, Gabriel Pereira pulled one back for the hosts in the 79th minute, ensuring a nervy finish.
James shared a message with Chelsea fans after the match, and Fernandez was quick to follow with his own words for the travelling supporters.
Marc Cucurella and Trevoh Chalobah hail Enzo Fernandez after standout Chelsea display
The Argentine midfielder shared a heartfelt message with supporters on Instagram, writing: “Thanks to the fans who travelled for the support. See you on Sunday, Blues.” with a blue heart emoji.
His teammates were quick to show their appreciation, with Marc Cucurella commenting “Goleador” and Trevoh Chalobah simply writing “Top.”
Chelsea fans have consistently praised Fernandez for his performances during a challenging run of form recently, and this latest display only reinforced his importance to the team.
Under Maresca, he has proven to be a crucial player, featuring in 32 matches across all competitions. He has contributed five goals and eight assists in 2,340 minutes of play.
| Match stats | Copenhagen | Chelsea |
| Possession | 37% | 63% |
| Shots | 5 | 5 |
| Shots on target | 2 | 2 |
| Fouls | 10 | 5 |
Chelsea must win Conference League amid league struggles
Maresca opted for a rotated squad against Copenhagen, handing 17-year-old Shim Mheuka his first Chelsea start. However, the youngster was substituted at halftime following a goalless first 45 minutes.
This rotation-heavy approach has led to a more settled starting XI in the Premier League, but Fernandez remains an indispensable figure, starting in midweek despite the changes.
With Chelsea already eliminated from the FA Cup and League Cup, the Conference League remains their only realistic chance of securing silverware this season.
Chelsea fans have called for Maresca to be sacked recently due to the team’s inconsistency and their hopes of securing a Champions League spot slipping away.
However, should the Italian deliver a European trophy, it could buy him valuable time heading into next season.