Teenager Tyrique George scored his first senior Chelsea goal as they defeated Legia Warsaw to take control of their Conference League quarter-final.
Enzo Maresca’s side, the favourites to win the competition, went ahead four minutes into the second half of the first leg in Poland when George reacted quickest to convert the rebound after Reece James’ effort had been parried.
The 19-year-old winger has represented England at under-19s level and is yet to start a Premier League match, although he has featured 10 times for Chelsea in this European campaign.
Substitute Noni Madueke added a second goal in the 57th minute with a low finish after good work from Jadon Sancho to take the tie away from Legia.
Chelsea then missed a 73rd-minute penalty as Christopher Nkunku’s spot-kick was saved by Kacper Tobiasz, although the keeper was beaten again shortly afterwards with Madueke finishing off Sancho’s low cross for his second of the night.
A ROUTINE WIN FOR CHELSEA
The second leg takes place at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, 17 April, with the overall winners meeting either Swedish side Djurgardens or Rapid Vienna in the semi-finals.
Poland will host the final, on Wednesday, 28 May at the Wroclaw Stadium in Wroclaw, and Chelsea will expect to be there.
The Blues won the Champions League as recently as 2021 and have a great chance of more continental success in Europe’s third-tier tournament.
Victory would guarantee them a place in next season’s Europa League at least, although they could still qualify for the Champions League if they finish in the top five of the Premier League.
A DISAPPOINTING FIRST HALF
The home fans tried to create an intimidating atmosphere with a large tifo displayed before the game of a knight in armour stabbing a lion through the jaw, with the words “fear no-one” underneath.
When the game started, there were still clouds of smoke drifting across the pitch from flares.
But the fireworks in the stands were not matched by the actions on the pitch in a disappointing first half.
Chelsea quickly dominated possession but had to wait until the 27th minute for their first chance, defender Tosin Adarabioyo heading straight at Tobiasz.
MADUEKE MAKES IMPACT
Madueke came on for Cole Palmer, whose run without a goal stretched to 13 games in all competitions, and the forward sparked Chelsea as they crucially scored twice in an eight-minute spell.
Frenchman Nkunku missed from the spot, but Madueke’s second goal seconds later ensured the second leg should be a mere formality for the Blues.
