Chelsea won their second game in the UEFA Conference League, defeating Panathinaikos 4-1 away from home in Athens. The hosts, who gave a nice touch before the kick-off with a tribute to their former player George Baldock, started well in the game but saw Chelsea get the opening goal through João Félix in the 22nd minute. The Portuguese star slotted home after reacting quickest to Mykhailo Mudryk’s cross, punishing Panathinaikos after their positive start.
A minute before half-time, Enzo Fernández nearly opened the scoring with a near post shot, but Bartłomiej Drągowski tipped it over with his fingertips. Chelsea continued to push forward, and Mudryk scored his first of the season four minutes into the second half as he headed Pedro Neto’s cross past Bartłomiej Drągowski. A third was added through João Félix with a deflected shot, before Christopher Nkunku sealed the win with a confident penalty after Daniel Mancini handled in the area.
Despite a late consolation from Facundo Pellistri, putting away a Georgios Vagiannidis cross, Panathinaikos were unable to prevent Chelsea from extending their unbeaten record against Greek sides to seven games. The result also ends the Blues’ short winless streak and leaves Panathinaikos with just one win in 19 matches against English opposition.
