Legia Warsaw vs Chelsea Preview

• Chelsea to win
• Over 2.5 goals

Legia Warsaw enter their biggest European tie in nearly three decades as they host Chelsea in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-finals.

This marks Legia’s first appearance at this stage of a European competition since the 1995/96 season, and the Polish outfit will be aiming to cause a major upset against a Chelsea side who are among the favourites to lift the trophy in May.

Legia Warsaw chasing a modern European milestone

The Polish champions overturned a first-leg deficit to eliminate Molde in the Round of 16, showcasing their resilience and determination to make history. That comeback booked Legia a place in their first European quarter-final in 29 years, a remarkable achievement for a club looking to re-establish itself on the continental stage.

Domestically, Legia’s recent form provides cause for optimism. They’re unbeaten in three consecutive league games (W2, D1), having scored seven goals and conceded just once during that run. While they face an elite opponent in Chelsea, their home record in Europe this season will provide encouragement.

Four wins from their last five Conference League matches at home – all of which came with a clean sheet – underlines Legia’s defensive solidity at Stadion Wojska Polskiego. Even more significantly, the Polish side have won their last three European home fixtures against English opposition, suggesting they may have the pedigree to trouble Chelsea.

Chelsea eyeing first UEFA semi-final since 2021

Despite an inconsistent Premier League campaign, Chelsea have been flawless in the Conference League so far. The Blues have won all eight of their matches in the competition since matchday one, including a comfortable two-legged win over Copenhagen in the Round of 16.

The quarter-final appearance is Chelsea’s 19th in European competition, and they’ll be aiming to book their first semi-final since their triumphant 2020/21 Champions League campaign. Though this will be their first-ever meeting with a Polish club in UEFA competition, their vast European experience and overall pedigree make them strong favourites to progress.

With 11 wins from their last 14 two-legged European ties, Chelsea are well-versed in navigating knockout football. Manager Enzo Maresca will be keen to keep momentum going in Europe, even as his team struggle to find consistency domestically, most recently playing out a goalless draw against Brentford in the Premier League.

Tactical outlook and key match factors

Legia are likely to approach this tie with caution, aiming to remain compact at the back and exploit set-pieces or quick transitions. Their ability to keep clean sheets at home has been pivotal to their run, and they’ll look to frustrate a Chelsea side who have shown signs of impatience in low-scoring games.

For Chelsea, controlling possession and breaking down a disciplined Legia backline will be the primary objective. The Blues have scored in all eight of their Conference League matches so far, and away goals could be crucial in ensuring a more comfortable return leg at Stamford Bridge.

With Legia boasting a strong home record and Chelsea yet to be truly tested in this competition, the first leg may be more competitive than the betting markets suggest.

Players to watch

Ryoya Morishita: The Legia Warsaw midfielder has found a scoring touch in Europe, netting in three of his last four Conference League appearances.

All three of those goals came in the first half, making him a potential danger early in the contest.

Enzo Fernández: The Chelsea midfielder has stepped up his attacking contribution in recent weeks, scoring two of the Blues’ last three away goals across all competitions.

One of those came against Copenhagen in the last round of this tournament, and he’ll be aiming to add to his tally in Warsaw.

Key statistics

• Legia Warsaw are in their first European quarter-final since 1995/96.
• The Polish side have won four of their last five home Conference League matches, all with clean sheets.
• Chelsea have won all eight of their Conference League games this season.
• The Blues are appearing in their 19th UEFA quarter-final and have progressed in 11 of their last 14 two-legged European ties.
• Legia have beaten English teams in each of their last three European home encounters.

Conclusion

This quarter-final tie pits tradition and tenacity against star power and European experience. Legia Warsaw have turned their home ground into a fortress and will be hoping to unsettle a Chelsea team desperate to salvage their season with silverware.

Chelsea, for their part, enter as overwhelming favourites, but cannot afford to underestimate a Legia side that has already proven its ability to defy expectations.

Prediction

Legia Warsaw 1-2 Chelsea

A closely fought contest is expected, but Chelsea’s superior quality in the final third may just be enough to earn them a narrow advantage heading into the second leg.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Legia Warszawa vs Chelsea | UEFA Conference League 2024/25