The Grenat host the Blues on Thursday, August 29 (8:30 p.m.), at the Stade de Genève, for the return match of the Europa Conference League play-offs. Having fallen with their weapons in hand in the first leg (2-0), the Servettiens will have to pull off a big coup tomorrow evening to continue their adventure in the Europa Conference League.
The performance of the last match
Having not played last weekend in the league, Thomas Häberli and his men played their last match against… Chelsea. Last Thursday, they surprised by displaying a level of play higher than expected in the Conference League play-off first leg against the Blues. Although they held their own against the English in the first half with a score of 0-0 at half-time, the Genevans cracked in the second half and conceded two goals for a 2-0 defeat. Despite this setback, they created many chances, but lacked realism, notably with a shot on the bar at the end of the match. Their performance showed that they were not just extras, but they can have regrets about a result that does not fully reflect the nature of the match.
The statement to remember
« We will do everything to make the impossible possible. “. These are the words with which the Servette coach motivated his team and the public in a press conference on the eve of the match against the Blues. Aware of the difficulty of the task after the defeat in the first leg, he expressed his determination to turn the situation around and show fighting spirit, despite the scale of the challenge that awaits them against Chelsea. With a more conquering face, tactical adjustments and a more concentrated rearguard, the Grenat have the means to create the feat against the Londoners.
The opponent’s form
Having struggled against Servette at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea thrashed Wolverhampton 6-2 in the league last weekend. After a complicated first half that ended in a draw, Chelsea bounced back in the second half thanks to their offensive armada to shatter Wolverhampton (6-2). Led by Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer, the Blues took the upper hand. Madueke distinguished himself with a hat-trick (49th, 58th, 63rd), each time assisted by the excellent Palmer, who himself scored with a subtle lob just before the break (45th, 2-1). Their performance allowed Chelsea to dominate the match in the second half.
The player to be wary of
After the Blues’ big win over Wolves, Madueke made his mark by scoring his first hat-trick in just 14 minutes, demonstrating his formidable goalscoring instincts. Cole Palmer, already in fine form, shone once again by providing three assists while also scoring his first league goal of the season. Full of confidence, these two promising young talents will be the main threats that SFC will have to be wary of.
Servettien to follow
Not always a starter since his arrival but very often interesting when he comes on, Von Moos could make his mark during this crucial match against Chelsea, where his impact as a luxury joker could make the difference. In the first leg, he brought a bit of liveliness, but without really worrying the London defense. Tomorrow night, he could become the hero so hoped for.
