Marc Guiu hat-trick helps Chelsea finish off overpowered Shamrock Rovers
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Chelsea signed off with a perfect record in the league phase of the Conference League as Marc Guiu scored a first-half hat-trick to seal a 5-1 demolition of League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge. The 18-year-old former Barcelona striker is yet to start for head coach Enzo Maresca in the Premier League but selected for the fourth time in Europe he demonstrated a poacher’s instinct to bury the visiting side, twice intercepting passes back to the goalkeeper to score before glancing in a fine header for his third.
![[Markus Poom equalises for Shamrock Rovers.]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/dd6afdce63f86be19be84db1a2ebd9a041362a95/0_113_2508_1505/master/2508.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also scored, as did Marc Cucurella for the second time in as many matches, with Chelsea confirming what had long been apparent: they are far too strong for the teams they have faced in the first phase of Europe’s third competition.
The defeat was a first in Europe this season for Shamrock who left west London with the consolation of a place in February’s playoff round, as well as with the memory of Markus Poom’s goal that briefly levelled things at 1-1 in the first half and offered the glimpse of a major upset. Chelsea enjoyed more than 80% of possession during the first 25 minutes but it took a defensive error for them to take the lead.
Renato Veiga hoofed a looping ball forward for Tyrique George to chase. Darragh Burns reached it first, but his wayward header back to his goalkeeper was woefully misjudged, allowing Guiu to steal in and nod Chelsea in front. The visitors responded with no little courage. The Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen flew towards his top corner to claw away a Johnny Kenny drive as Shamrock broke. From the resulting corner, Shamrock briefly allowed their supporters to dream.
