Chelsea recently achieved a 4-1 victory against Panathinaikos in the Europa Conference League. This win marked their second straight victory in the tournament. Chelsea controlled much of the game and restricted the Greek side’s chances. Goals came from Mykhailo Mudryk, João Félix, and Christopher Nkunku. A late consolation goal was scored by Facundo Pellistri, a former Manchester United player. This victory placed Chelsea at the top of the Conference League table based on goal difference.
Mudryk and Félix were standout players in this match. Mudryk joined Chelsea for £89 million from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023. Expectations were high for him to become a key player. His time at Chelsea has had ups and downs, often leading to a spot on the bench. However, he seized the chance to shine in this game. Mudryk scored one goal and provided two assists, showcasing his talent and helping Chelsea secure the win.
His performance statistics were impressive. He played the full 90 minutes and had 32 touches. Mudryk completed all 17 of his passes, winning four duels and drawing two fouls. He also made one successful dribble and took two shots, with three key passes to his name.
Félix also had an excellent game, scoring twice. He had struggled to find consistent starting opportunities since his permanent move back to Chelsea in the summer. However, he played the entire match against Panathinaikos and demonstrated his abilities. His partnership with Mudryk proved crucial in keeping Chelsea unbeaten in the Conference League.
On the other hand, Pedro Neto had a disappointing performance. After making a strong impact off the bench against Liverpool, he started this match but struggled to make an impression. The Portuguese winger, who transferred to Chelsea for £54 million this summer, had a challenging first half. He did not create significant chances and appeared careless in possession.
Despite earning an assist for Mudryk’s goal, Neto was replaced after 62 minutes due to his lackluster display. He registered only 31 touches and completed just one of four attempted crosses. Neto lost eight duels and gave away possession ten times, which contributed to his low match rating of 6 out of 10.
Overall, the night was positive for Chelsea and coach Enzo Maresca. He demonstrated his ability to rotate players and still achieve quality performances. This flexibility is vital as Chelsea aims for success in various competitions. Maresca’s early months in charge have shown promise, and the future looks bright for him and the team. Chelsea’s depth was evident in this match, and the management will consider the performances of Mudryk and Félix as they prepare for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Newcastle. The contrasting performances of Neto and his teammates will influence team selection moving forward.
Chelsea’s ability to adapt and secure victories underlines their ambition this season. Maresca’s leadership is critical as the team navigates the challenges ahead. The players are showing the potential to contribute meaningfully as they pursue glory in both domestic and European competitions.
