Madueke Shines with Two Goals as Chelsea Beat Legia Warsaw
Chelsea winger Noni Madueke stole the show with a second-half brace as the Blues cruised to 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 gave Chelsea the lead early in the second half, scoring his first senior goal for the club. The 18-year-old reacted quickest to turn in a rebound after Reece James’ shot was parried by the goalkeeper.
Madueke, who replaced the quiet Cole Palmer at half-time, made an immediate impact. The England international doubled Chelsea’s advantage in the 57th minute with a composed low finish following a clever pass from Jadon Sancho.
Christopher Nkunku had a chance to make it 3-0 in the 73rd minute after Chelsea were awarded a penalty, but his effort was saved by Legia keeper Kacper Tobiasz. However, moments later, Madueke completed his brace, finishing off another Sancho assist to put the result beyond doubt.
The 22-year-old’s lively display earned him the Player of the Match award as Chelsea controlled proceedings and silenced the hostile home crowd in Warsaw.
The return leg takes place at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, 17 April. Should Chelsea progress, they will meet either Djurgardens of Sweden or Rapid Vienna of Austria in the semi-finals.
Winners of the Champions League in 2021, Chelsea are targeting the Conference League title, which would also secure qualification for next season’s Europa League.
This year’s final will be held on Wednesday, 28 May at the Wroclaw Stadium in Poland. After a dominant display in Warsaw, the Blues look well on track to be part of the showpiece.
