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Teenager Tyrique George marked a memorable night by scoring his first senior goal for Chelsea as the Blues took a commanding lead in their Europa Conference League quarter-final against Legia Warsaw. The 19-year-old winger, who has represented England at under-19 level but is yet to start a Premier League match, reacted quickly to fire home the rebound after Reece James' shot was parried just four minutes into the second half.
Chelsea, the clear favourites to win the competition, continued to assert their dominance as substitute Noni Madueke made an immediate impact, doubling their lead in the 57th minute following impressive build-up play by Jadon Sancho. Despite missing a penalty in the 73rd minute—when Christopher Nkunku's spot-kick was saved by Kacper Tobiasz—Chelsea kept the pressure on. Madueke struck again moments later, finishing off another low cross from Sancho to seal a 3-0 win in Poland.
The atmosphere in Warsaw was intense, with Legia fans unveiling a dramatic tifo of a knight stabbing a lion, accompanied by the phrase "fear no-one," and flares filling the air with smoke. But the energy in the stands wasn't reflected on the pitch in the first half. Chelsea controlled possession but struggled to break through, with only a few chances created before the break. Tosin Adarabioyo's header, Dewsbury-Hall's curling attempt, and efforts from Reece James and Christopher Nkunku tested the home defense, but it was after half-time that Chelsea truly found their rhythm.
Enzo Maresca's side, who breezed through the group stage with six wins, 26 goals scored, and only five conceded—despite leaving Cole Palmer out of the squad to manage his workload—now have one foot in the semi-finals. Palmer returned to the starting lineup but was substituted at the break after another quiet performance, extending his goalless streak to 13 matches.
The second leg will be played at Stamford Bridge on 17 April, with the winner set to face either Djurgardens or Rapid Vienna in the semi-finals. With the final scheduled for 28 May at Wroclaw Stadium in Poland, Chelsea will be eyeing a return to continental glory. Having last won the Champions League in 2021, they are strong contenders for silverware in Europe's third-tier competition—a win that would also secure at least Europa League football next season, though they could still qualify for the Champions League through domestic success.
