Teenage striker Marc Guiu scored a hat-trick as Chelsea thrashed Shamrock Rovers 5-1 for his or her sixth straight Europa Convention League win on Thursday, advancing to the final 16 with most factors.
The 18-year-old Guiu took over because the competitors’s main scorer with six objectives, two of which got here within the win away to Astana final week.
The younger Spaniard headed Chelsea in entrance after a defensive mix-up however a deflected effort from Markus Poom — the son of former Derby, Sunderland and Arsenal goalkeeper Mart — introduced the Irish guests stage.
Guiu took benefit of one other mistake on the again to revive Chelsea’s lead at Stamford Bridge, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor including one other earlier than Guiu accomplished his treble by heading residence in first-half stoppage time.
Marc Cucurella fired in a fifth for the Blues across the hour as Chelsea completed the league part with 26 objectives scored — eight greater than some other membership — and once more underlined their standing because the title favourites.
“Lots of people will say we’re huge favourites and truthfully, we most likely are, however in soccer it isn’t simple to maintain profitable,” Dewsbury-Corridor advised TNT Sports activities.
“Six wins out of six is fairly good.
“This event is relieving plenty of strain for among the individuals who play within the Premier league and it is an opportunity for younger academy lads to make their debuts.
“It’s a good vibe in the meanwhile.”
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca admitted Guiu was pissed off by his restricted alternatives, having not performed a single minute within the Premier League since a substitute look within the opening recreation of the season.
“Marc is a bit sad as Nicolas (Jackson) and Christopher (Nkunku) are doing nicely,” mentioned Maresca.
“Whenever you’re a 9 and one other 9 is doing nicely it’s a matter of being questioned. It can be crucial that they work arduous day-by-day after which they get an opportunity.”
Shamrock, who started the night time on target for the highest 16 as one in every of solely three remaining unbeaten groups, will as a substitute head into the draw for Friday’s knockout part play-offs among the many seeded sides.
Becoming a member of Chelsea in qualifying immediately for the final 16 had been Vitoria Guimaraes and Fiorentina after a 1-1 draw between the edges in Portugal. Vitoria had been the one different group to not lose within the league part.
Speedy Vienna, Djurgarden, Lugano, Legia Warsaw and Cercle Brugge may also undergo to the final 16.
Hearts missed out on a play-off spot after a 2-2 draw at residence to Romania’s Petrocub, who got here useless final among the many 36 golf equipment within the competitors.
Northern Eire’s Larne had already been eradicated however picked up their first factors with a 1-0 win over Gent, whereas Welsh outfit The New Saints misplaced 3-2 away to Slovenia’s Celje as their European run additionally ended.
