Chelsea were defeated for the first time in the UEFA Conference League this season as they succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of the quarter-finals. However, thanks to their commanding win in the first leg, they advanced to the semi-finals on aggregate (4-2).
The Blues had the first chance of the match with Cole Palmer coming close, but his shot went wide. The Englishman had another opportunity with a header, but there was pressure around him and no power behind it, which allowed Legia goalkeeper Vladan Kovačević to gather the ball comfortably.
Minutes later, the visitors made a threatening move into Chelsea’s half, which resulted in goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen clipping the feet of Legia captain Tomas Pekhart. The referee was quick to point to the spot. The captain stepped up. Even though the penalty wasn’t particularly convincing, Jorgensen couldn’t keep it out, and Legia took the lead.
Much of the first half followed a pattern that has frustrated Chelsea fans under Enzo Maresca, the team passing the ball around at the back, waiting for a space to open up before attacking. On occasions when players tried to force openings themselves, Chelsea managed to create chances, but nothing came close to producing a goal. In between, a poor touch from Reece James allowed Legia winger Ryoya Morishita to charge into the box and unleash a shot that narrowly missed, much to Jorgensen's relief.
However, things changed for Chelsea in the 40th minute when Jadon Sancho carried the ball toward the byline before delivering a low cross. Marc Cucurella made an excellent run into space and slotted the ball into the back of the net to level the score on the night at 1-1 and restore Chelsea’s three-goal advantage on aggregate.
The home side thought they had taken the lead moments later when a superb ball from deep by Cole Palmer found Christopher Nkunku. The Frenchman cleverly squared it for Cucurella to finish into an empty net. However, the Spaniard was in an offside position as Palmer’s pass reached the box, and the goal was ruled out. It was the last meaningful move of the first half.
Soon after the second half began, Josh Acheampong’s loose ball at the back gifted Legia an opportunity that ended in a corner. From the resulting set-piece, the visitors regained the lead. Despite falling behind again, Chelsea never looked fully in control. They had a few moments of promise, the closest came when back-to-back efforts from Noni Madueke and Tyrique George were cleared off the goal line. The rest of their attempts lacked conviction.
Legia, despite having an opportunity to chase a third goal and turn the tie on its head, appeared content to protect their lead while occasionally venturing forward. No further goals followed.
The result marked Chelsea’s first defeat in the Conference League this season, bringing an end to their nine-match winning streak. The loss also meant Chelsea became the first English side to lose at home to a club from Poland, another unwanted record for the Blues.
Even though they progressed to the semi-finals, the performance was yet another underwhelming display. Players like Reece James, Cole Palmer, and others struggling in a Conference League match is a new low for the Blues, with all due respect to Legia.