Chelsea closed in on a place in the Conference League quarterfinals after securing a 2-1 win at F.C. København in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie in the Danish capital.

The competition favourites had to wait until a minute into the second half to take the lead, when Reece James fired a low shot from distance that found its way past København goalkeeper Diant Ramaj.

Chelsea then doubled their advantage in the 65th minute courtesy of an emphatic strike from substitute Enzo Fernández following a pass form Tyrique George.

At that point it looked as if Chelsea could effectively end the tie in the first leg, but the home side hit back with 11 minutes remaining when Gabriel Pereira headed into the net.

Cole Palmer started for Chelsea, his first appearance in the competition this season.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.