Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke struck in the second half as Chelsea beat Servette 2-0 to take a big step towards reaching the newly-expanded 36-team Europa Conference League.

Nkunku converted from the penalty spot before a clinical strike from substitute Madueke gave Enzo Maresca his first win as Chelsea boss.

Chelsea had an early chance when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall played in Marc Guiu, but the teenager couldn't quite keep his footing.

Mykhailo Mudryk then dragged an effort wide before Pedro Neto fashioned Chelsea's best first-half opening, drawing a save from Servette goalkeeper Jeremy Frick.

Servette managed a shot on target and won four first-half corners, but a rather flat opening 45 minutes ended goalless.

Chelsea took an early second-half lead after some more excellent play from the evergreen Dewsbury-Hall. He slid Nkunku in on goal, with the goalkeeper clattering into the Frenchman and conceding a penalty.

Nkunku stepped up himself and made no mistake from the spot, shooting to his left and beating the goalkeeper who had gone the right way.

They should have been two up moments later after another Fritz blunder let Guiu in, but the youngster was unable to convert on his full debut and was denied three times by the goalkeeper.

Chelsea got a well-deserved second when Madueke lashed home from the right after a beautifully weighted through ball from fellow substitute Enzo Fernandez.

Filip Jorgensen made a couple of saves either side of Tiemoko Oattara rattling the cross bar as Chelsea survived a few late scares to head into the second leg in good shape.

Click Here for Official Teamsheet

Teams

Chelsea Jorgensen; Disasi (Gusto 78), Tosin, Badiashile, Veiga; Nkunku (Fernandez 57), Caicedo (c) (Lavia 84), Dewsbury-Hall; Neto (Madueke 57), Guiu (Palmer 57), Mudryk
Subs Not Used Bettinelli, Sanchez, Cucurella, Colwill, Jackson
Booked Dewsbury-Hall
Goals Nkunku (pen) 50, Madueke 76

Servette Frick (c); Tsunemoto, Rouiller, Severin, Mazikou; Douline (Vonmoos 61), Ondoua; Stevanovic (Antunes 61), Cognat (Ouattara 85), Kutesa (Magnin 69); Crivelli (Guillemenot 61)
Subs Not Used Mall, Besson, Baron, Antunes, Sawadogo, Weber, Srdanovic, Frankhauser
Booked
Goals

Attendance 37,902

Referee Jeremie Pignard (FRA)

VAR Benoit Millot (FRA)