In a highly entertaining encounter of the PL-ISL Next Generation Mumbai Cup 2020, the Chelsea youth brigade scripted an impressive 3-1 victory against the Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) outfit at the Reliance Corporate Park Football Ground, Navi Mumbai, today.

The final score line, however, did not suggest the competitiveness of the match as youngsters from both sides showed hunger and commitment to outwit their opponents.

RFYC began the match in fine style with an early goal in the 6th minute through some brilliance by Silajit Santra. While the young Blues made it difficult for the RFYC boys, especially with a strong back-line, Silajit trapped a superb aerial ball, cut inside his marker on the right and slotted it into the top corner of the net.

The RFYC boys continued to press the Chelsea defence but could not manage to extend their lead through the remainder of the opening 25 minutes.

Come the second half, the Chelsea boys came out with added intent to put pressure on the RFYC youngsters. The hosts tried to keep them at bay but could not hold on for long as only a few minutes into the second half, the Blues’ skipper, Chinonso Chibueze scored a brilliant equalizer when he capitalized on a loose ball inside the box. Thereafter, the Blues stamped their authority and shortly doubled their tally when a flowing move found Reiss Alexander-Denny as he tucked the ball seamlessly past RFYC goalkeeper Malhar Mohol.

In the 46th minute, Chelsea scored the knockout blow when Jack Phillips raced past the opposition defence to pounce on a through ball and produce an easy finish to find the back of the net.

Result: Chelsea FC [Chinonso Chibueze 30, Reiss Alexander-Denny 35’, Jack Phillips 46’] beat Reliance Foundation Young Champs [Silajit Santra 6’]: 3-1