Chelsea have one foot in the Conference League semi-finals after a much-improved second-half display saw them run out comfortable winners against Legia Warsaw tonight.
Tyrique George set them on their way, four minutes into the second half, before substitute Noni Madueke doubled the visitors’ advantage eight minutes later.
Legia wilted and Madueke made it 3-0, shortly after Christopher Nkunku had missed from the penalty spot.
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— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 10, 2025
📰 Table Of Contents
Football fails to match the atmosphere early on
The home fans created a hostile atmosphere prior to the game but the opening 45 minutes did its best to stifle it with neither side able to sustain any meaningful attacking threat.
Legia started well and a fine block from Josh Acheampong prevented Rafał Augustyniak from getting in a shot on goal.
Luquinhas then ought to have hit the target when well placed but blazed wide.
Chelsea eventually rode the storm and could have gone ahead in the ninth minute only for Nkunku to fail to turn the ball home with a back heel.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was next to try his luck, albeit 25 minutes later as the game got bogged down in midfield. The former Leicester City man lined one up after Cole Palmer’s effort was blocked but home goalkeeper Kacper Tobiasz palmed it round the post.
Chelsea came close again from the resulting corner – Benoit Badiashile’s looping header from a Malo Gusto corner picking out Nkunku but he was denied by some fine defending by Augustyniak.
Nkunku then turned provider with a cross that Dewsbury-Hall ought to have directed in but, instead, his header flashed wide as the first half ended goalless.
Madueke introduction changes the game
Palmer and Tosin Adarabioyo were taken off at the break and replaced by Madueke and Levi Colwill and the impact was transformative.
Dewsbury-Hall wasted another chance but young winger George showed him how it should be done, tucking the ball home neatly after Tobiasz palmed Reece James’s shot straight into his path.
Tobiasz was at fault for Chelsea’s second as well.
Noni Madueke comes off the bench to double Chelsea's lead ⚽⚽
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 10, 2025
His poor clearance put his side on the back foot and Jadon Sancho drove into the area before picking out Madueke, who made no mistake with a clinical finish.
Chelsea improvement capped by third goal
All of a sudden, Chelsea’s earlier woes were forgotten and they were playing with a real swagger.
Sancho, Dewsbury-Hall and Nkunku all came close before Chelsea were awarded a penalty when VAR ruled Patryk Kun had fouled Dewsbury-Hall inside the area.
Nkunku was handed the ball but his tame effort was easily palmed clear by Tobiasz.
Chelsea did get a third within 30 seconds, however.
Sancho burst down the left and his low cross picked out Madueke who slotted home.
Madueke's second goal. Sancho's second assist. ⚽🅰
The pair link-up for Chelsea's third of the night 🤝
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 10, 2025
Legia almost grabbed a late consolation but Kun’s fierce shot was well saved by Filip Jorgensen.
