Chelsea secured their place in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals on Thursday, despite suffering a 2-1 home defeat to Legia Warsaw, progressing with a 4-2 aggregate victory.
The match at Stamford Bridge saw Chelsea fall behind early to a penalty by Legia’s Tomas Pekhart in the 10th minute. However, Marc Cucurella equalized for the Blues in the 33rd minute with a close-range strike. Legia regained the lead in the 53rd minute through French defender Steve Kapuadi’s header, which ultimately proved to be the match-winner.
The Legia fans were in full voice, with approximately 1,000 supporters creating a lively atmosphere, waving flares and chanting in celebration.
Chelsea’s dominant 3-0 first-leg victory in Poland ensured their progression despite the setback at home. They will now face Sweden’s Djurgårdens in the semi-finals, following Djurgårdens’ 4-1 extra-time win over 10-man Rapid Vienna.
The defeat against Legia, currently sitting fifth in Poland’s Ekstraklasa, raises concerns for Chelsea’s Premier League ambitions. Coach Enzo Maresca faces mounting pressure as the team struggles in domestic competition. However, Chelsea remains the favourite to clinch the third-tier European title, alongside other semi-finalists Roma, West Ham, and Olympiakos.
In other action, Fiorentina drew 2-2 in a thrilling encounter with Slovenia’s Celje, but progressed with a 4-3 aggregate victory. They will meet La Liga’s Real Betis in the semi-finals after Betis secured a 3-1 aggregate win over Jagiellonia Bialystok.
Chelsea’s path to European glory continues, but their recent performances raise questions ahead of their next challenge.
