Chelsea winger Noni Madueke was named Player of the Match after scoring twice in a 3-0 away win over Legia Warsaw in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final on Wednesday night.
Teenager Tyrique George opened the scoring with his first senior goal for Chelsea, reacting quickest to slot home after Reece James’ shot was pushed away by the goalkeeper early in the second half.
Madueke, who came on at half-time for the quiet Cole Palmer, made an immediate impact. He scored Chelsea’s second in the 57th minute with a low finish after a neat pass from Jadon Sancho.
In the 73rd minute, Christopher Nkunku had a chance to add a third from the penalty spot, but his effort was saved by Legia keeper Kacper Tobiasz. Moments later, Madueke struck again, calmly finishing off another Sancho assist to make it 3-0 and put the tie firmly in Chelsea’s hands.
Madueke’s performance was the highlight of the night as Chelsea controlled the match and silenced the home crowd, who had created a fierce atmosphere before kick-off.
The second leg will be played at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, 17 April. If Chelsea progress, they will face either Djurgardens of Sweden or Austria’s Rapid Vienna in the semi-finals.
Chelsea, winners of the Champions League in 2021, are aiming to lift the Conference League trophy, which would guarantee a spot in next season’s Europa League.
The final will be played on Wednesday, 28 May at the Wroclaw Stadium in Poland, and after a strong showing in Warsaw, Chelsea look well on course to be there.
