Chelsea FC took a commanding step toward the UEFA Conference League semi-finals with a convincing 3-0 win against Legia Warsaw in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Stadion Jozefa Pilsudskiego. A second-half surge, led by academy graduate Tyrique George and substitute Noni Madueke, ensured the Blues left Poland with a comfortable lead ahead of the return leg at Stamford Bridge.
The match began with a cautious approach from both sides. Legia Warsaw, backed by their passionate home crowd, started brightly, creating early pressure with a couple of corners and a blocked header from Rafal Augustyniak. However, Chelsea soon settled, dominating possession but struggling to break through Legia’s compact defensive block. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall came closest in the first half, forcing a sharp save from Legia goalkeeper Kacper Tobiasz with a curling effort, while Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer found clear chances hard to come by.
At half-time, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made a bold move, substituting Palmer for Madueke and reshuffling his lineup, with George moving into a more advanced role. The changes paid dividends almost immediately. Four minutes into the second half, Reece James unleashed a long-range strike that Tobiasz could only parry, allowing 19-year-old George to tap in his first senior goal for Chelsea, igniting the traveling supporters.
The Blues’ momentum grew, and Madueke doubled the lead in the 53rd minute after a swift pressing move. James found Jadon Sancho, who laid the ball off for Madueke to slot home with precision. Chelsea’s dominance continued, though Nkunku squandered a chance to make it 3-0 when his penalty was saved by Tobiasz in the 67th minute. Undeterred, Madueke struck again just 25 seconds later, capitalizing on a loose ball to fire past Tobiasz and seal the scoreline.
Defensively, Chelsea remained resolute, with young defender Josh Acheampong earning praise for his composure alongside Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo. Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen was rarely tested but produced a fine save late on to deny Legia’s Patryk Kun, preserving a clean sheet.
Maresca was effusive in his post-match comments, particularly about his academy prospects. “I’m in love with Josh Acheampong’s maturity at 18,” he said, also lauding George’s milestone goal. “These boys show what Chelsea is about—hard work and talent.” He urged his team to stay focused for the second leg, warning against complacency despite the healthy advantage.
Legia, meanwhile, face a daunting task to overturn the deficit in London. Manager Goncalo Feio acknowledged his side’s resilience but lamented their inability to convert early chances. “We showed heart, but Chelsea’s quality was too much tonight,” he said.