Barca's pearl scores a hat-trick for Chelsea

In the last round of the Conference League battles were fought for direct qualification to the Round of 16, and the outcome is that Chelsea, Vitória Guimarães, Fiorentina, Rapid Vienna, Lugano, Djurgården, Legia Warsaw, and Cercle Brugge secured their spots among the top 16. The Blues completed a perfect group-stage campaign with a convincing 5-1 victory over Shamrock, with Marc Guiu standing out by scoring a hat-trick. The Spaniard finished the group stage of the Conference League with an impressive six goals.

The young Spaniard headed Chelsea in front after a defensive mix-up but a deflected effort from Markus Poom brought the Irish visitors level. Guiu took advantage of another mistake at the back to restore Chelsea's lead at Stamford Bridge, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall adding another before Guiu completed his treble by heading home in first-half stoppage time. Marc Cucurella fired in a fifth for the Blues around the hour as Chelsea finished the league phase with 26 goals scored -- eight more than any other club -- and again underlined their status as the title favourites.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca admitted Guiu was frustrated by his limited opportunities, having not played a single minute in the Premier League since a substitute appearance in the opening game of the season.

"Marc is a bit unhappy as Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku are doing well. When you're a nine and another nine is doing well it is a matter of being questioned. It is important that they work hard day-by-day and then they get a chance" said Maresca.