PARIS: Teenage striker Marc Guiu scored a hat-trick as Chelsea thrashed Shamrock Rovers 5-1 for a sixth successive win in the Europa League, and advanced to the last 16 with maximum points.
The 18-year-old is now the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, two of which came in the victory in Astana last week.
The young Spaniard headed in Chelsea’s first goal but Markus Poom equalised for the Irish club.
Guiu capitalised on another mistake by the visitors’ defence to put Chelsea back in front, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall adding a goal before Guiu completed his hat-trick in first-half injury time.
Marc Cucurella scored the hosts’ fifth goal at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea finished the league with 26 goals scored – eight more than any other club.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca admitted that Guie was disappointed that he was not given many opportunities to play, having not played any minutes in the Premier League since coming on as a substitute in the opening match of this season.
“Marc (Guiu) was a little disappointed because Nicolas (Jackson) and Christopher (Nkunku) stood out more.
“When you are the number nine player and other players in the same position are performing brilliantly, you have to wait for that opportunity.
“The important thing is that they work hard every day and then the opportunity will come,” Mareca said.
Joining Chelsea in the last 16 are Vitoria Guimaraes and Fiorentina who drew 1-1 in Portugal. Vitoria are also unbeaten in the league.
Rapid Vienna, Djurgarden, Lugano, Legia Warsaw and Cercle Brugge also advanced to the next round.