Legia Warsaw vs Chelsea Report
Scorers: George 49’, Madueke 57’, 74’
Chelsea moved a step closer to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals with a dominant 3-0 first-leg victory over Legia Warsaw at the Marshall Józef Piłsudski Legia Warsaw Stadium, maintaining their perfect record in this season’s competition.
Despite Chelsea’s status as heavy favourites—bolstered by an eight-match winning streak in the UECL and one of the most valuable squads in world football—Legia Warsaw showed early resilience. The Polish side entered the tie with a tournament-high five clean sheets and proved tough to break down in the opening half.
In fact, Legia recorded more shots than their illustrious opponents inside the first 30 minutes. Luquinhas and Ryōya Morishita each had efforts fly off target, while Christopher Nkunku also missed a chance at the other end for the Blues.
Chelsea Grow Into the Game Before the Break
As half-time approached, Chelsea began to assert themselves more in the final third. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall forced a strong save from Kacper Tobiasz with a curling effort, before Nkunku headed narrowly wide. Dewsbury-Hall had a golden opportunity to open the scoring just before the interval but could only nod wide from close range when unmarked, failing to generate the necessary power or direction.
Blues Strike Twice in Five Minutes After the Restart
Chelsea came out firing after the break and quickly took full control of the match. Dewsbury-Hall had already missed a header before Reece James tested Tobiasz with a powerful shot. The Legia keeper could only parry the effort into the path of Tyrique George, who reacted quickest to tap home his first goal for Chelsea.
The visitors made it 2-0 shortly after, with Noni Madueke calmly slotting home from close range following a dominant spell of possession.
Jadon Sancho then tested Tobiasz as the Blues looked to put the tie out of sight.
Missed Chances But Total Control for Chelsea
Despite the comfortable scoreline, Chelsea continued to push forward. Dewsbury-Hall remained frustrated, firing another effort over midway through the second half. Nkunku also went close again and saw a penalty saved by Tobiasz after Dewsbury-Hall was brought down by Patryk Kun.
However, Chelsea weren’t to be denied a third, as Madueke swept in Sancho’s low cross to bag his second of the night and complete a comfortable evening for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Chelsea Take Firm Control Ahead of Second Leg
Filip Jörgensen had to stay alert to deny a late strike from Kun, but Legia never truly threatened a comeback. Chelsea will return to Stamford Bridge with a three-goal cushion and one foot firmly in the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League.
For Legia Warsaw, it was a sobering return to the European quarter-finals stage after a 29-year absence, and they will require a dramatic turnaround in London to keep their European dream alive.
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Legia Warszawa vs Chelsea | UEFA Conference League 2024/25