Chelsea’s dominant display was very clear!
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Chelsea secured a commanding 4-1 win over Panathinaikos in the UEFA Europa Conference League on October 24, 2024, during an emotional evening at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium in Athens.
The match honored the memory of Panathinaikos defender George Baldock, who recently passed away on October 9, at age 31.
The stadium was filled with tributes, including Panathinaikos players wearing jerseys with Baldock’s number 32 and Chelsea players holding a shirt bearing his name, while David Bowie’s “Starman” played in the background, a nod to Baldock’s nickname from his time at Sheffield United.
Once the match kicked off, Chelsea took time to settle in as manager Enzo Maresca fielded a heavily rotated side following their Premier League loss to Liverpool.
However, the team soon found their stride. João Félix, in particular, put on an electrifying performance, breaking the deadlock with a smart finish after linking up seamlessly with Mykhailo Mudryk.
This goal lifted Chelsea’s tempo and set the tone for the rest of the game. Panathinaikos initially struggled to respond but continued to defend with resilience, attempting to capitalize on counter-attacks through quick breaks.
In the second half, Chelsea extended their lead when Félix struck again, benefiting from a slight deflection to beat the Panathinaikos goalkeeper.
Mudryk soon joined the score sheet, heading in a well-placed cross from Pedro Neto, marking his first goal of the season.
In the 59 minutes of game play, Christopher Nkunku converted a penalty after Panathinaikos’ Daniel Mancini fouled in the box, sealing Chelsea’s victory.
Panathinaikos managed to pull one back, a late consolation goal from former Manchester United midfielder Facundo Pellistri, with a skillfully executed set piece that brought the fans to their feet. Despite this response, Chelsea maintained control of the game.
Panathinaikos fought hard, displaying great spirit, but Chelsea’s organization and pressure left little room for them to turn the tide.
The victory adds momentum to Chelsea’s Conference League campaign, where they are unbeaten.
For Panathinaikos, the match was a poignant occasion, demonstrating how football can bring teams together in unity and respect even amid fierce competition.
With upcoming matches against top Premier League clubs, including a match with Newscastle before Manchester United, Maresca’s squad rotation proved successful, allowing Chelsea to balance European and domestic demands while honoring the memory of Baldock in a memorable evening of football.