Chelsea 4-2 Gent: Renato Veiga bosses Gent from left-back in Conference League victory as Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall get on scoresheet

For all the ridicule of Chelsea’s recruitment strategy, they love a bargain as much as the next club, and there was smug satisfaction at Stamford Bridge last night as £12m Renato Veiga sealed the left-back’s win in the Conference League argued.

Veiga was one of 11 changes made by Enzo Maresca, who again leaned on his side’s depth to open the scoring in what was the club’s 300th European appearance in their history.

The 21-year-old Portuguese was the best performer in this Chelsea B team, assisting Christopher Nkunku to mark his France call-up with a goal yesterday.

Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also got on the scoresheet as the Blues started the league phase with a win.

The Chelsea fans present noticed a well-known surname for Ghent in Andri Gudjohnsen, son of Eidur.

Neto rallied and avoided challenges from Brown and Tsuyoshi Watanabe before defeating Davy Roef

One of 11 changes made by Enzo Maresca, who again leaned on his side’s depth, Veiga opened the scoring in what was the club’s 300th European appearance in their history.

The 22-year-old striker was born in London on January 29, 2002 and the following day his famous father scored within two minutes of a 2-0 win over Leeds in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.

Yet he was a bystander when Chelsea took the lead after twelve minutes.

That opener was nicely worked out, starting when Axel Disasi gained possession high up the pitch. Dewsbury-Hall then played a pass behind for Mykhailo Mudryk, whose cross to the back post was perfect for Veiga to head into the opposite corner.

Other chances for Joao Felix and Nkunku were squandered by the visitors, who then decided to attack themselves.

Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, replacing Robert Sanchez, made his first save in the 33rd minute to deny Birmingham-born Archie Brown. In the 34th, Gudjohnsen narrowly fired over from six yards.

Suddenly Gent’s tactical approach did not look as questionable as 45-year-old manager Wouter Vrancken’s decision to wear skinny jeans on the sidelines.

But within 50 seconds of the second half they were already 2-0 behind after a long ball from Disasi. Neto rallied and avoided challenges from Brown and Tsuyoshi Watanabe before defeating Davy Roef.

However, Ghent did not give up. Watanabe stayed on the sidelines and headed in the 2-1 in the 50th minute, after some weak defense from Tosin Adarabioyo.

However, Ghent did not give up: Watanabe stayed onside and headed in the 2-1 in the 50th minute.

In the 62nd minute, Veiga used his strength in the penalty area before teeing up Nkunku and firing a shot under Roef.

In the 70th it became 4-1 when Dewsbury-Hall pounced on a loose ball

In the 62nd minute, Veiga used his strength in the penalty area before teeing up Nkunku and firing a shot under Roef.

In the 70th it became 4-1 when Dewsbury-Hall found a loose ball as Maresca won again after eleven changes, just like in the Carabao Cup.