Chelsea have doubled their lead in Athens against Panathinaikos in the Europa Conference League through Mykhailo Mudryk.
The first half wasn’t the most exciting with the hosts causing Chelsea a number of problems, but Maresca’s heavily rotated side went in 1-0 up at the break.
Joao Felix combined brilliantly with Mudryk before the Portugal international fired into the back of net for just his second goal of the season to open the scoring.
Maresca made no changes at the break and Chelsea have come out like they mean business and within three minutes doubled their lead.
It was a well worked Chelsea move with the ball finding it’s way out to Pedro Neto and he stood up a cross to the back post where Mudryk was on hand to head into the back of net for his first goal of the season.
Mudryk has had a good game and now has a goal and assist to his name which is brilliant for his confidence and there have been a number of questions surrounding the Ukrainian this season.
The winger has issued the perfect response after being left out of the squad completely for last weekend’s defeat to Liverpool and his performance will have certainly given Maresca food thought.
Mudryk and Felix combine again
Literally as writing Chelsea have now scored their third goal and there’s a huge slice of fortune, but the Blues won’t care and it’s Mudryk and Felix combining again.
The Ukrainian receives the ball and plays it to Felix on the edge of the box and he takes a shot, which is on target but it takes a huge deflection and flies past the goalkeeper.
Felix is having an impressive game and he needed it given his lack of minutes and impact this season and he’s certainly given Maresca food for thought ahead of Sunday’s game against Newcastle.
Nkunku adds a fourth
It’s raining goals in Greece and Chelsea have their fourth with Christopher Nkunku converting from the penalty spot with the Frenchman stepping up and sending the goalkeeper the wrong way for his eighth goal of the season after Panathinaikos were penalised for handball in the box.
You can see the goals embedded in the clips here:
Mykhailo Mudryk doubles Chelsea’s advantage 🙌
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 24, 2024
(Footage from TNT Sports)
Chelsea have their third of the night 🤩
A lucky deflection from Joao Felix’s shot sees the Blues extend their lead 💙
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/bFkmIvP0Ri
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 24, 2024
(Footage by TNT Sports)
It’s 4-0 🔥
Christopher Nkunku grabs his 8th goal of the season from the penalty spot 🙌
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/yt1rr5sOOp
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 24, 2024
(Footage by TNT Sports)