Astana v Chelsea LIVE: Conference League rating and updates as Marc Guiu brace provides Blues comfy lead

45+2 mins: There’s the whistle for half-time. Chelsea are controlled and composed. The Blues are on their way to securing an automatic qualifying spot in the Conference League.

Out of nowhere!

Astana’s best period of the half comes just before the break. They work it over to the right side of the pitch before feeding it to Marin Tomasov.

He cuts inside of Renato Veiga then fizzes an effort at goal and beat Filip Jorgensen.

42 mins: Very professional and very controlled from Chelsea. Astana haven’t played for a couple of weeks and it shows. They’re off the pace and it’s only towards the back end of this half that they’ve shown a bit of intensity in possession.

Renato Veiga gets on the scoresheet. This one is as easy as you like.

From a corner Veiga drifts into the middle of the box and leaps higher than anyone else. He wins the header and powers it into the back of the net.

39 mins: Chelsea youngsters seem right at home on this stage. The Conference League is a perfect opportunity for them to get a feel for the first team.

Astana are trying to punch back. Chineda gets another sight at goal as he arrives in the box from the left. He shoots first time and sends the ball straight into the hands of Filip Jorgensen.

36 mins: Oh hello, maybe they do?

A quick counter attack sees the hosts force Chelsea to back track. The ball is sent up to Chinedu who has a lot of space ahead of him. He decides to unleash a shot but mishits it and lifts the ball very high and very wide.

He sighs in frustration at his own effort.

33 mins: Chelsea’s dominance continues. Watching this game feels as though Chelsea are picking their moments to attack and score goals.

Their build-up is slow but controlled and Astana don’t have an answer.

30 mins: Marc Guiu is clattered and stays on the deck after taking a knock to the knee from Aleksa Amanovic. The Astana midfielder is booked and Guiu needs to run the pain off, especially in this cold weather.

27 mins: Close!

Pedro Neto works the ball onto his left foot and lifts a cross over to the back post. Renato Veiga makes a deep run the looks to turn the half-volley effort in at the near post.

He doesn’t catch it right and the ball is lofted high.

25 mins: There’s no escape for Astana. Chelsea are forcing them to defend deeper and deeper and when the ball is booted long the visitors win it back quickly and keep up their momentum.