Competition: UEFA Europa Conference League – Quarter-Final (1st Leg)
Date: 10th April 2025
Venue: Stadion Wojska Polskiego, Warsaw
Match Overview :
History is on the line for Legia Warsaw, as they welcome Chelsea to the Polish capital in what marks their first European quarter-final appearance in 29 years.
After overturning a first-leg defeat to eliminate Molde in the Round of 16, Legia find themselves with renewed belief heading into this daunting tie against the tournament favourites.
Chelsea, by contrast, are no strangers to the business end of European competition. The 2021 Champions League winners are now chasing their first UEFA semi-final appearance in three years.
While their domestic form has been patchy, evident in a drab 0-0 draw at Brentford on Sunday their European campaign has been flawless.
Eight wins from eight games since matchday one underlines their serious intentions to lift the inaugural Europa Conference League trophy.
Team Form & Confidence
Legia Warsaw (W2, D1 in last 3 domestic games)
- The Polish side come into this clash on the back of a three-game unbeaten streak domestically, scoring seven goals and conceding just once.
- Their resilience at home has been impressive: four clean-sheet wins in their last five home games in this competition.
- Importantly, they’ve beaten English opposition in each of their last three European home games, a statistic that adds spice to this encounter.
Chelsea (WWLWD in last five games)
- Chelsea remain the only side in the Conference League with a 100% win record in the knockouts and group stages alike.
- Their Premier League form has been hit and miss, but they’ve proven in Europe that they can dominate games with control and patience.
- The Blues have progressed from 11 of their last 14 two-legged European ties, showing strong knockout pedigree.
Tactical Outlook :
Legia Warsaw
- Expect Legia to keep things compact and disciplined in a 3-4-3 or 5-4-1 shape, looking to hit on the counter.
- Set-pieces and quick transitions will be key weapons against a Chelsea side that sometimes struggles to break down deep blocks.
- Ryoya Morishita could be pivotal—his runs from midfield have produced three goals in his last four Conference League games, all scored before half-time.
Chelsea
- Maresca is likely to stick with a possession-heavy 4-2-3-1, with full-backs pushing high to stretch Legia.
- Enzo Fernández, who has scored two of Chelsea’s last three away goals, including a vital strike in Copenhagen, will be the link between buildup and final third creation.
- With Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke offering width and flair, Chelsea will look to create overloads and tire Legia out over time.
Potential Lineups :
Legia Warsaw: 4-3-3 – Tobiasz, Wszolek, Ziolkowski, Pankov, Vinagre; Elitim, Augustyniak, Morishita; Chodyna, Shkurin, Luquinhas.
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Enzo, Dewsbury-Hall; Madueke, Palmer, George; Jackson
Key Stats
- Legia Warsaw are playing their first European quarter-final since 1995/96.
- Chelsea are in their 19th UEFA quarter-final—a stark contrast in European pedigree.
- Legia have won their last three home matches against English clubs in Europe.
- Chelsea have won all 8 games in this season’s UEFA Conference League.
- The two sides have never met before in UEFA competition.
Players to Watch
- Ryoya Morishita (Legia): A dynamic midfield threat, Morishita’s late runs into the box and early strikes could unsettle Chelsea.
- Enzo Fernández (Chelsea): In top form in Europe, Enzo offers calm control and late surges—he’s scored five and assisted five in all competitions this season.
Where to Watch:
United Kingdom: TNT Sports
United States: Paramount+ & ViX
Canada: DAZN Canada
India: Sony Sports Network
Australia: Stan Sport.
Nigeria: SuperSports.
Score Prediction: Legia Warsaw 1-2 Chelsea
Prediction :
Legia’s impressive home record and confidence will make this a testing fixture for Chelsea, especially with the raucous Warsaw crowd behind the hosts.
But the Blues’ quality, experience, and depth should eventually shine through especially over two legs.
