Overview
- Chelsea progressed to the Europa Conference League semi-finals despite a 2-1 home defeat to Legia Warsaw, relying on their 3-0 first-leg victory in Poland for a 4-2 aggregate win.
- Marc Cucurella scored Chelsea's only goal in the second leg, while Tomas Pekhart and Steve Kapuadi netted for Legia, exposing Chelsea's defensive vulnerabilities.
- Manager Enzo Maresca faced criticism for heavy squad rotation and his decision to start struggling forwards Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, both enduring prolonged goal droughts.
- Captain Reece James publicly criticized the team's lack of preparation, warning that underestimating the competition could have long-term consequences.
- Chelsea will face Swedish side Djurgarden in the semi-finals, but recent poor performances in Europe and the Premier League have intensified scrutiny on Maresca's leadership and tactics.