Christopher Nkunku marked his return to international football with a crucial goal as Chelsea secured a 4-2 victory over Gent in the UEFA Conference League.
The striker’s 63rd-minute goal ensured Chelsea’s win in a match that saw Gent threaten a second-half comeback.
The Blues took an early lead through a header from Portuguese left-back Veiga, his first goal for the club.
Veiga connected with a cross from Mykhailo Mudryk in the 11th minute, putting Chelsea ahead.
Despite controlling the game, Chelsea couldn’t extend their lead in the first half.
After the break, Pedro Neto doubled Chelsea’s advantage just a minute into the second half, taking advantage of defensive errors from Gent.
However, Gent responded quickly when Andri Gudjohnsen, son of former Chelsea forward Eidur, set up Tsuyoshi Watanabe’s header to make it 2-1 in the 49th minute.
Nkunku, celebrating his recent recall to the France squad, scored in the 63rd minute with a powerful shot to restore Chelsea’s two-goal cushion.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added a fourth goal in the 70th minute, securing the win despite a late goal from Gent substitute Omri Gandelman in the 90th minute.