Panathinaikos vs Chelsea Report
Scorers: Pellistri 69’; Felix 22’, 55’, Mudryk 49’, Nkunku 59’ (P)
Chelsea Secure 4-1 Victory Over Panathinaikos in UEFA Conference League
Chelsea continued their perfect start to the UEFA Conference League (UECL) with an emphatic 4-1 win over Panathinaikos, maintaining their unbeaten record against Greek opposition.
Despite a bright start from the hosts, Chelsea’s clinical finishing proved decisive as they made it two wins from two in the competition.
First Half: Chelsea Strike Against the Run of Play
Before kick-off, the mood was somber as Panathinaikos supporters paid tribute to their former defender George Baldock, who tragically passed away earlier this month.
Green cards bearing his number 32 were raised as the stadium observed a minute’s silence in his honour.
The Greek side started brightly, with Tin Jedvaj’s header from Filip Mladenović’s set-piece forcing a superb one-handed save from Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen. Azzedine Ounahi also came close with a long-range effort that flew just wide.
However, despite Panathinaikos’ strong start, it was Chelsea who struck first. João Félix reacted quickest to a cross from Mykhailo Mudryk, finishing clinically in the 23rd minute to give the visitors the lead.
Panathinaikos’ early momentum was halted, and Chelsea grew into the game, with Bartłomiej Drągowski making a key save to tip over Enzo Fernández’s dipping shot from distance. The Blues took a 1-0 lead into halftime, having capitalised on their chances despite being outplayed in the opening stages.
Second Half: Chelsea’s Ruthless Attack Seals Victory
Chelsea wasted no time after the break, doubling their lead just three minutes into the second half. Mudryk met Pedro Neto’s cross with a well-placed header at the far post to score his first goal of the season.
Seven minutes later, Félix added his second of the match, his shot from the edge of the box taking a heavy deflection off Nemanja Maksimović and leaving Drągowski helpless as the ball sailed into the net.
The game was put beyond doubt when Chelsea were awarded a penalty after Daniel Mancini was penalised for handball inside the box. Christopher Nkunku confidently converted the spot-kick, continuing his scoring streak in every European match this season.
Despite Chelsea’s dominance, Panathinaikos managed to pull one back late on. Facundo Pellistri finished off a swift counter-attack, tapping in a Georgios Vagiannidis cross at the far post to deny Chelsea a clean sheet.
However, it was little more than a consolation, as Chelsea saw out the remainder of the game comfortably.
Conclusion
Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Panathinaikos extends their unbeaten record against Greek sides and solidifies their perfect start in the UEFA Conference League.
João Félix’s brace and contributions from Mudryk and Nkunku highlighted the Blues’ clinical finishing, while Panathinaikos’ late consolation goal prevented a clean sheet.
Chelsea will now look to carry this momentum forward as they seek further European success, while Panathinaikos will aim to bounce back after their home unbeaten run was brought to an end.
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