Job not done for Chelsea: Copenhagen still a danger in Europa Conference League second leg | OneFootball

Chelsea are not through yet.A 2-1 lead is hardly comfortable, and Enzo Maresca knows it. The Chelsea boss was pleased with his team’s defensive display against Leicester City on Sunday but still lamented the “sloppy” goal they conceded in Copenhagen. That lapse has left the door slightly open for their opponents, who arrive at Stamford Bridge knowing that one well-taken chance could change everything.Maresca has warned against complacency. Chelsea have been dominant in the Conference League, winning every match so far, but past results count for little in knockout football. Copenhagen have already overturned a deficit in this competition, edging past Heidenheim after extra time last month. They also boast a strong away record in the tournament, scoring at least twice in nine of their 14 road trips.Chelsea’s home form in Europe is encouraging. They have won all four of their Conference League matches at Stamford Bridge, racking up 19 goals and conceding just three. Their only home defeat since August came against Fulham on Boxing Day. That record suggests they should be able to finish the job, but football rarely follows the script.Copenhagen are not arriving in their best form. A run of two wins in seven matches in all competitions has seen them surrender top spot in the Danish Superliga. Jacob Neestrup has called for his side to produce “a little miracle,” but he will know that Chelsea have their own vulnerabilities.Maresca’s side are improving but remain inconsistent. They have put together a three-match winning run, lifting them into the Premier League’s top four, yet their performances have often been unconvincing. Cole Palmer, a key figure in their attack, missed his first-ever penalty against Leicester. Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, and Malo Gusto are all unavailable.The Italian coach has insisted that “the priority is tomorrow.” A derby against Arsenal looms at the weekend, but Chelsea cannot afford to think ahead. One moment of hesitation, one defensive slip, and Copenhagen could punish them.This competition may not be where Chelsea expected to be, but Maresca has acknowledged the importance of building a winning habit. “When you start to win, it can become addicting,” he said. If Chelsea want silverware this season, they must avoid another European collapse.They have the advantage, but qualification is far from assured.