Last updated on April 18, 2025
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Left-back Cucurella stands as Chelsea’s top scorer in all competitions since mid-December.
Image credit: Chelsea FC
Chelsea secured their place in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals on Thursday night, despite falling to a 2-1 defeat at home against Legia Warsaw.
The aggregate scoreline of 4-2, earned largely thanks to a dominant 3-0 win in Poland the week before, was enough to push them through.
Cucurella Cancels Out Early Shock
The night got off to a rocky start for the Blues at Stamford Bridge when Legia were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute.
Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen brought down Tomas Pekhart in the box and failed to stop the striker’s effort from the spot, allowing the Polish visitors to take a surprise lead.
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Chelsea’s response came just after the half-hour mark.
Jadon Sancho, continuing his creative form from the first leg, drilled a low cross into the area that Marc Cucurella turned in at close range to level the score on the night.
The Spaniard appeared to have scored a second before halftime, but VAR ruled the effort offside.
Legia Strike Again, Chelsea Misfire
Steve Kapuadi restored Legia’s lead in the 53rd minute, heading home from close range to hand his side a 2-1 advantage on the night.
Chelsea pushed forward in search of an equaliser but remained unconvincing in attack.
Noni Madueke and Tyrique George both came close in quick succession, only for George’s potential leveller to be disallowed for offside.
Despite the defeat, Chelsea’s comfortable first-leg cushion ensured they moved on to face Swedish side Djurgarden, who pulled off an extra-time comeback of their own to eliminate Rapid Vienna 4-2 on aggregate.
Attacking Woes Continue to Haunt Maresca
Manager Enzo Maresca fielded a strong starting lineup featuring Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, and Sancho.
However, the decision didn’t yield the attacking firepower he’d hoped for.
The Stamford Bridge crowd voiced their disapproval at full-time, frustrated by another underwhelming performance from a team that has struggled for consistency all season.
Chelsea's European Record is MENTAL! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/3oiNS399ik
— KM (fan) (@kmtpcfc) April 17, 2025
Palmer’s goalless run extended to 15 matches, Jackson has now gone 12 without scoring, and Nkunku remains without a goal since returning from injury.
Strikingly, left-back Cucurella stands as Chelsea’s top scorer in all competitions since mid-December.
Jørgensen’s nervy display in goal also raised concerns.
After a poor showing against Legia, Maresca may be forced to reconsider his options between the posts this summer, with neither Jørgensen nor Robert Sánchez inspiring much confidence.
Flare Trouble and a Final on the Horizon
Legia’s away fans celebrated with flares and shirtless chants following the opener, scenes that could once again land the Polish side in disciplinary trouble with UEFA.
