The Blues see victory in defeat, but the manner of their outing would have alienated many fans
Chelsea have secured a place in the Conference League semi-finals despite a 2-1 home defeat to Legia Warsaw. The Blues went into the match ahead by a three-goal margin, which meant that they progressed with the score 4-2 on aggregate.
Enzo Maresca set up a strong eleven for the tie, as the Italian promised he would. Yet there was very little evidence of that as the team sleepwalked around the pitch, playing with a sluggishness that soon provoked boos from their own crowd. They dominated the ball at 70 per cent possession in the first half, but found it difficult to create chances.
Instead, it was Legia who took an early lead through a penalty converted by forward Tomas Pekhart, after Chelsea backup goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen had fouled him in the box.
Marc Cucurella, who was Chelsea’s brightest spark, equalised in the 33rd minute. It was the defender’s sixth goal of the season and made him the club’s top scorer in 2025 – in a side that boasts an attack comprising the likes of Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, and Christopher Nkunku.
Chelsea showcased exactly everything the fans have been so upset about this season. Their passing was laboured at times, again almost conceding through errors as they struggled to play out from the back.
Legia regained the lead in the second half through a Steve Kapuadi header and then began to press for more. The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge remained subdued for a long time. Enzo Maresca had said before the game that the fans show their unhappiness with the team if they play badly. He was right.
Chelsea’s substitutes in the second half brought some life to the game, with Tyrique George and Noni Madueke both going close.
In the end, it was hardly the easy game the Blues thought it would be. Nevertheless, they are through to the last four.
