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    Pop icon with £580MILLION net worth makes shock appearance at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea vs Legia Warsaw

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    POP icon Madonna was a surprise attendee of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League clash with Legia Warsaw.The Blues welcomed the Polish big boys to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their quarter-final tie on Thursday night.Chelsea welcomed Legia Warsaw to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tieCredit: GETTYPop superstar Madonna was a surprise attendee of the matchCredit: CBS SPORTSStamford Bridge wasn’t at full capacity for the game as Enzo Maresca’s troops had effectively killed off the tie with a 3-0 win in the first leg earlier this month.But the 29,027 Blues fans in attendance were joined by the music legend, 66.Cameras spotted the ‘Like a Virgin’ star – who has a net worth of £580million – in one of the Bridge’s swanky boxes during the second half.And the viewers were stunned to see the American icon at the match.READ MORE SPORTS NEWS One wrote on X: “Madonna is at the game.”Another said: “Why is Madonna watching Chelsea vs Legia Warsaw?”And another said: “Madonna in the house.”One remarked: “I can’t believe Chelsea is about to lose while Madonna is there watching.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLegia Warsaw won the return leg 2-1 but lost the tie 4-2Credit: EPAAnother chimed in: “Never knew Madonna was a Chelsea fan.”Madonna – real name Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone – saw the Blues suffer a 2-1 defeat on the night.Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says it is up to fans to decide whether to back the teamBut it mattered little due to the west Londoners’ 3-0 advantage from the first leg, which saw them win the tie 4-2 on aggregate. More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Filip Jorgensen anxiety personified with Nkunku no better… but Cucurella shines once again

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      CHELSEA are Europa Conference League semi-finalists – but they made hard work of it at home to Legia Warsaw as they suffered defeat in the competition for the first time. It took just ten minutes for the deadlock to be broken when Filip Jorgensen brought down Tomas Pekhart inside the box – and the Czech forward slotted his penalty into the bottom right corner. Filip Jorgensen struggled between the sticks as Chelsea made hard work of Legia WarsawCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper gave the visitors the perfect start when he gave a penalty awayCredit: GettyMarc Cucurella settled any nerves by getting on the scoresheet againCredit: GettyWith Chelsea behind, they needed someone to step up and it was Marcos Alonso re-born who did so, in Marc Cucurella. The Spanish full-back converted a Jadon Sancho square ball to level the scoring, before being denied a second goal just moments later by the offside flag. If the Warsaw fans hadn’t already stolen the attention of everyone at Stamford Bridge by taking their shirts off, they certainly did so in the second half, when they lit flares in celebration of their side’s second goal. It was Steve Kapuadi who capitalised on more questionable Chelsea defending to put his side 2-1 up on the night and set the corner of the Shed End alight, much to the frustration of Enzo Maresca. The Chelsea fans had one more moment of temporary joy, when Tyrique George finished off a Noni Madueke ball across the box, only for the hosts to be denied by the offside flag once again. They’ll look to put this one behind them, but at least they’re into the semi-finals.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…Filip Jorgensen – 1Anxiety personified. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGave away a penalty after just ten minutes which saw Legia Warsaw take the lead and give them belief that they could make a shock comeback at Stamford Bridge. The Dane in goal just looked completely void of confidence, missed multiple crosses and struggled all around. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says it is up to fans to decide whether to back the teamAt least he’s decent at passing out the back *rolls eyes*…Josh Acheampong – 4Was caught on the ball on a few occasions, and didn’t look entirely comfortable in this one. He did still make some good blocks for his side though, with some important tackles too. A youngster who undeniably has a great amount of talent, this game will be a good learning experience for him. Tosin Adarabioyo – 4Tosin has been a leader at Stamford Bridge this season, and a key part in a lot of their good performances in this competition especially. Tonight however wasn’t his finest night, as he was caught out of position by the ball that led to the penalty. He didn’t have a real howler, but with two goals conceded it’s hard to give him higher than average. Benoit Badiashile – 4Not the performance he would’ve wanted in what was his 50th appearance for Chelsea. Was well advanced up the pitch for Legia Warsaw’s second goal, and left his defensive line vulnerable when the Polish side grabbed their second and eventual winner. Marc Cucurella – 8I am from here on re-naming Marc Cucurella El Pinguino, in honour of how often we are seeing his penguin celebration this season. He’s enjoying a fantastic season, and kept his name in the running for Chelsea’s player of the season with another goal in his most prolific campaign to date. A left-back one minute, and a centre-forward the next, he arrived late in the box once more to finish Sancho’s cross and equalise, before having a second goal disallowed for offside. The best player on the pitch in blue, again. Reece James (C) – 5Maresca’s insistence on playing Reece James in midfield continued tonight, after he was rested entirely in the draw with Ipswich. For my money, he is still best utilised in the right-back role where he is able to bomb forward and use his attacking prowess and strength to his advantage. Wasn’t bad in midfield by any means, but didn’t stamp his authority on the game as he has done previously. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6Kept up a decent run of form in this competition with another solid performance tonight in midfield. KDH was comfortable in possession and looked after the ball, while also working hard off it to win possession for his side on a few occasions. Jadon Sancho – 7With a point to prove before the end of the season, Sancho was back on the right wing for Chelsea tonight after his wonder strike against Ipswich from the left-hand side of the box. He played a vital role in Chelsea’s equaliser, beating his man and squaring a perfect ball across the box for Cucurella to tap home. Worked really hard throughout, doing his defensive duties well too. Cole Palmer – 3If this game took place in the first half of the season, Cole Palmer would’ve had two goals in the opening five minutes…The curious case of Cole in 2025 is one that I have studied up close this year, and after being a shock starter in this game, it should have been the perfect chance for him to end his barren run. He picked up a knock early on, but still had chances and just cannot get the ball in the back of the net at the moment. He is really struggling out there right now, which is hard to see for a player with so much undeniable quality. It was another game without a goal or assist for Cole PalmerCredit: ReutersChristopher Nkunku – 2One of the most frustrating players I have seen in a Chelsea shirt. It is bizarre how a player can go from genuinely looking like a star destined for the heights of football for RB Leipzig, to so lacklustre in blue. The Frenchman has so, so much talent, but just doesn’t even look bothered about using it with the form he’s in at the moment – he looks worlds away from the player we saw in pre-season. If you gave most fans a choice between Nkunku and Timo Werner at the moment, they would probably choose the latter. Christopher Nkunku continues to struggle for the BluesCredit: GettyNicolas Jackson – 2Utterly toothless in the first half and didn’t even look like scoring when he was on the pitch. Was hooked at half-time and replaced by Tyrique George as Palmer moved into the striker position.This should have been a game for him to build his confidence after returning from injury, but if anything it would’ve done some damage to him in that aspect. SUBSTyrique George (for Jackson, HT) – 6George is surely deserving of another start in this competition by now. He was denied a goal by the offside flag, but looked generally better than most of his peers when he came on at half-time. He was a little hasty at times with the ball at his feet around the edge of the box, but you can’t blame him at least for trying to score. Malo Gusto (for Cucurella, 57) – 5Played in the pivot in midfield for the most part, alongside Reece James in an experiment that didn’t really work. Cucurella was far better when he was on the pitch but it was the right decision for Maresca to take him off in the grand scheme of things as they will need him for Fulham away at the weekend. Noni Madueke (for Palmer, 57) – 6Was easily Chelsea’s most threatening player after coming off the bench. Took plenty of shots, and should be applauded for that despite none of them hitting the back of the net tonight – at least he injected some energy into his side. Read More on The SunWas unfortunate not to get an assist as his run was slightly offside before he squared the ball for George who tapped into an empty net. Pedro Neto (for Sancho, 83) – 5Didn’t have enough time to make a real impact on the game, and didn’t have many touches at all. Enzo Maresca did not see the type of performance he wantedCredit: AFPLegia Warszawa’s fans certainly created an almighty atmosphere in the away endCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea 1 Legia Warsaw 2 (agg 4-2): Enzo Maresca’s bafflingly strong XI stumbles into semi-final with embarrassing loss

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      ENZO MARESCA’S bid to win over the Chelsea fans went up in smoke.The Italian head coach packed his team to the hilt with A-List stars in an attempt to deliver a display of determination and re-energise Stamford Bridge after a series of turgid performances.Steve Kapuadi celebrates heading Legia’s winner on the nightCredit: RexTyrique George had a goal ruled out for the below-par BluesCredit: GettyLegia Warsaw fans let off flares while their team troubled ChelseaCredit: ReutersJadon Sancho put in a stellar performance – but was the only Chelsea star to do soCredit: AFPBut even though the Blues are through to the semi finals of the Conference League they were beaten on the night by the fifth best team in Poland.It marks their first home defeat of 2025 and the first in the main draw of UEFA’s C-List tournament – which Chelsea are expected to win comfortably.Plumes of smoke from flares ignited in the away end covered the pitch during the second half. But there was no hiding place for Maresca’s £1 billion squad as they were humbled.Even though they are comfortably into the last four on aggregate, the result has done nothing to ease the growing tension on the terraces from fans sometimes angry but mainly bored by Maresca’s tactics.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe sluggish tempo and tip toeing around their own box led to jeers from a crowd demanding more gusto – and not Malo the right back.Were it not for the constant throb of chanting from 1,000 shirtless Poles, the atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge would have been flat at best, angry at worst at another let down of an evening out.Maresca went for it with his line-up. Skipper Reece James, England star Cole Palmer, lead striker Nicolas Jackson, Euro 2024 winner Marc Cucurella. All included in the starting XI and nobody was quite sure whether it was for target practice ahead of Sunday’s trip to Fulham, or as punishment for last Sunday’s dismal showing against Ipswich.Most read in Europa LeagueChelsea boss Enzo Maresca didn’t look too pleased with what he sawCredit: GettyBlues’ keeper Filip Jorgensen let in Tomas Pekhart’s penalty openerCredit: APBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut while Chelsea are struggling for conviction in the Premier League, Europe is a different matter entirely.The level of opposition has enabled Maresca to make drastic rotations to his squad and mainly use his second string.Marc Cucurella made his Chelsea equaliser look easyCredit: GettyThat all changed last night with the more heavyweight line up. And it quickly became apparent that Maresca’s main driver was a bid to sharpen up his troops for the run in to the domestic season.After just a minute, Palmer was through one on one yet skewed his shot to the left of goal and should have done better.Four minutes later he missed again with a stooping header, although this was more the fault of team-mate Jadon Sancho for squaring the ball instead of shooting when within range of goal.And Chelsea’s problems this season were soon evident again in microcosm. Having been totally in charge for the opening ten minutes and created two chances, they fell behind.Warsaw’s first foray into the home area saw keeper Filip Jorgensen haul down midfielder forward Tomas Pekhart, with the Spanish ref awarding a penalty.The former Southampton player calmly thumped the ball into the back of the net from 12 yards.Away fans had a cracking night despite going out on aggregateCredit: GettyPekhart hails his 10th minute spot-kick breakthrough for LegiaCredit: PACucurella celebrated his goal with provider Jadon SanchoCredit: GettyWith Chelsea enjoying a commanding 3-0 first leg lead, there was no panic and even subdued celebrations from the boisterous visiting fans.Sancho finally threaded a perpendicular ball through in the 31st minute when he squared through the box for Cucurella to divert the ball in from seven yards out to get Chelsea back on level terms on the night.Yet there is something fragile about Maresca’s team – even his first choice one. And with the fans getting on the players’ backs like they did on Sunday, they wilted again.And that gifted Warsaw a golden chance to regain the lead eight minutes into the second half.From a corner, Chelsea failed to clear their lines and a rebounding shot into the danger area from Claud Goncalves found its way to the head of unmarked Steve Kapaudi to simply nod past Jorgensen.The goal was the cue for dozens of flares to light up the away end.Sub Noni Madueke injected some life on the flank and had a shot cleared off the line, fellow sub Tyrique George’s follow up squirmed under the keeper but was hooked off the line by goalscorer Kapaudi.Read More on The SunFor a while the pitch was shrouded in choking white mist, shrouding the action as Maresca’s team tried to up the ante against the grey clouds of frustration overhanging the home fans.When it cleared Chelsea were still labouring against far inferior opposition as they have done too often  this season in all competitions. More

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      Chelsea name 17-year-old son of former club chief in Conference League squad to face Legia Warsaw

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      ENZO MARESCA has named the 17-year-old son of a former club director in Chelsea’s Conference League squad for Thursday’s clash against Legia Warsaw.Landon Emenalo, son of Michael Emenalo, could get his first minutes in the Blues’ quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.Landon Emenalo has been named to Chelsea’s squad to face Polish side Legia WarsawCredit: GettyThe teenage midfielder was invited to train with Enzo Maresca for the first time this weekCredit: GettyChelsea have one foot in the semi-finals after beating Legia 3-0 last weekThe Premier League side were dominant in the first leg in Poland, with a first senior goal from Tyrique George, 19, and a brace from Noni Madueke giving them a 3-0 lead.The Conference League has provided a chance for a number of youngsters to make their senior debuts for the club. As well as George, Shumaira Mheuka, 17, and Samuel Rak-Sakyi, 20, have seen nearly all of their minutes come in this competition.And Emenalo is the latest name in that list after being added to Chelsea’s first team squad for the first time ever.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe teenage midfielder was invited to train with the first team this week for the first time and was registered with Uefa overnight.Emenalo is the son of former technical director and Nigeria international Michael Emenalo. Landon has impressed for the U18s this season, scoring once in 12 games.The youngster initially joined Chelsea through the Under-8s development centre.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeAlthough he spent time with Monaco, the defensive midfielder returned to Cobham during his Under-13s season.Emenalo signed his first professional contract with Chelsea after celebrating his 17th birthday in January. Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory as angry fans fight identity crisis He was born in Arizona and has a US national mother that allows him the option of representing the United States or England.Landon, who was reportedly raised as a Chelsea fan, is highly thought of at Cobham.His dad Micheal played for clubs such as Notts County and San Jose Clash during his career before hanging up his boots to venture into coaching and board-level roles.The 59-year-old worked as a scout and assistant manager for Chelsea between 2007 and 2011, before taking the role as technical director for six years.During his time in SW6 he worked alongside managers such as Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, while he was also part of the team that brought in players such as Kevin De Bruyne, N’Golo Kante and Eden Hazard.Since then he has held the same position at AS Monaco and is now the president of the league association for the Saudi Pro League.Chelsea ratings vs IpswichJADON SANCHO spared Chelsea’s blushes as Enzo Maresca’s side came from behind to draw against Ipswich.The relegation-threatened Tractor Boys went 2-0 up after 31 minutes with Chelsea flat throughout the first half.But Maresca’s men woke up after the break and fought back for what will still be a disappointing point as they chase a Champions League spot.So who were the shining lights for the Blues – and who had an afternoon to forget?Read Conor Jones’ ratings here to find out. More

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      Chelsea files: Blues ‘on a knife edge’ with club facing £70m black hole if poor form keeps them out of Champions League

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      CHELSEA’S stuttering bid to qualify for the Champions League may not impact Enzo Maresca’s role but it could wipe £70million off his summer budget.The Blues remain in the hunt for a top five finish but are convincing few that they will be able to get over the line.Chelsea could risk losing £70m if they fail to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s job could also be at riskCredit: AlamyAnd another year away from Europe’s top table will come at quite the cost – with one financial expert saying they are on a “knife edge”.A run into the knockouts would – thanks to their coefficient ranking and gate receipts – net at least £90m for the west Londoners.But a year in the Europa League – which they are expected to qualify for via the league or winning the Conference League – would land them just £20m.And after having to sell hotels and the women’s team to the club’s holding company, BlueCo, in order to dance around the Premier League’s financial rules – things could get tricky.Chelsea’s latest financial results showed a profit of £129.6m, but Professor Rob Wilson, an academic lead at University Campus of Football Business, is concerned.He told SunSport: “Their reported profits are suggesting financial health, but the underlying losses basically indicate a reliance on accounting strategies.”You can’t trade on accounting strategies forever.”What you’re doing is essentially just putting off the inevitable, which is at some point you’re going to post a pretty significant loss or you’re going to have to have a big asset sale.”They are kind of protecting that with the longevity of the player contracts that they’ve been including.”They are properly on a knife edge in my view.”They are backing themselves or have already backed themselves into a pretty unmanageable corner.”Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training groundKEEP KEPA?GOALKEEPING has been a hot topic at Chelsea this season and it’s not just restricted to those currently at the club.The future of Kepa Arrizabalaga is also of interest as his loan at Premier League side Bournemouth nears its end.The world’s most expensive keeper is desperate to stay on the South Coast to the extent that he would be willing to take a pay cut on his present wages of around £170,000 a week.Kepa, 30, has a year left on his contract at Chelsea but he knows there is no future for him at Stamford Bridge.Kepa Arrizabalaga is willing to accept a pay cut to stay at BournemouthCredit: AlamyEven though there are serious questions about the suitability of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, there are other keepers further up the pecking order.Even untried teenager Mike Penders seems to be more popular with Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca than Spaniard Kepa, who cost a whopping £71.6 million in 2018.Bournemouth are keen on a permanent deal and it’s believed one could be struck for around £25 million.Kepa has played the last 14 games in all competitions for Bournemouth and is close to manager and fellow Spaniard Andoni Iraola.There has been speculation that Bournemouth fancy Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher but Kepa is more likely to be the club’s number one next season.BLUECO NO-GODROPPING into the Europa League would not only pose financial problems, but a mammoth headache for Chelsea’s American owners.Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali will be forced to place their shares in Ligue 1 side Strasbourg into a “blind trust” if both qualify for the Europa League.Strasbourg’s involvement in the Europa League could be a huge issue for Chelsea if they fail to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPStrasbourg, managed by Englishman Liam Rosenior, have been a BlueCo success story and are just a point off of the Europa League places in Ligue 1.While their qualification would be celebrated, it would cause an awful lot of admin for the owners.Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe faced a similar problem.His company INEOS also owns Nice and Swiss side Lausanne-Sport.Their ownership of both has been placed into a blind trust, with Nice in the Europa League alongside Manchester United.Their both being in the same competition also saw UEFA block any transfers between the two – which put a stop to United’s move for defender Jean-Clair Todibo.Chelsea have sent a number of youth prospects on loan to Strasbourg since the two clubs were brought under the BlueCo umbrella.Kendry Paez, the Ecuadorian who will complete his move to Chelsea this summer, has been training with Rosenior’s side ahead of a possible loan move next season – which could be barred under these rules.SECURITY CONCERNSLEGIA WARSAW’S infamous ultras are on their way to London and the police are on high alert.Extra cops will be on duty for Thursday’s Conference League quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.Legia Warsaw’s ultras caused chaos outside Villa Park in 2023Credit: GettyJust 1,000 fans of the Polish club are being allocated official tickets into the away section of the away end.Although with a sizeable Polish population in London already, there could be more in the home sections of the ground.Chelsea though are confident that their robust ticket policies will be enough to stop large scale infiltration by visiting supporters.Legia Warsaw have been dogged by controversy involving their fiery fans. They have been hit with travel bans.There was trouble in 2023 when the club played Aston Villa in the Conference League – several police officers were hurt in disturbances outside Villa Park.The Met won’t disclose details of their anti-hooligan policies but issued a statement to Sun Sport which read: “The Met works closely with partners to ensure the safety and security of those attending football matches in London. We want everyone to come and enjoy themselves but we will act decisively to deal with anyone intent on causing trouble.“We have increased the policing presence for Chelsea’s home match against Legia Warsaw this Thursday to ensure it takes place in a safe and secure environment. This decision was taken following a careful assessment of information and intelligence.”Warsaw have had their ticket allocation reduced on advice from the Safety Advisory Group and Chelsea.The statement continued: “We will continue to work with the club and our local partners to ensure the safety of those attending the match and those in the wider community.”NO PROBE FOR TODDDespite outraged Chelsea fans firing off a letter of complaint to the Premier League demanding a probe into the club chairman’s links to an unauthorised ticket resale site, the police won’t be knocking on Boehly’s door anytime soon.Supporters have openly protested about the fact the leading figure in the Stamford Bridge boardroom is cashing in with a 40 percent stake in Vivid Seats – a US-based outfit that passes on match tickets, often at vastly inflated prices.Todd Boehly has infuriated fans by earning money from Vivid Seats, a ticket resale siteCredit: ReutersThe Premier League is currently considering options on what to do about the tricky situation – after all on their own website they advise customers to exercise ‘extreme caution’ when dealing with companies like Vivid Seats.But any investigation is a long way off as so far, English football’s governing body will only confirm receipt of the letter from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust.However, it is still a delicate state of affairs with the Premier League under pressure to investigate the business dealings of one of the game’s most high profile players.LEAGUE OF THEIR OWNCHELSEA Women’s final away game of the WSL season has been selected for live broadcast by the BBC.And a kick off time has now been finalised with The Blues heading to Tottenham on Sunday, May 4 and it gets underway at 2.15pm.NEW INITIATIVEANYONE attending Sunday’s home game against Ipswich will have noticed the large number of brightly coloured flags fluttering in The Shed End before kick off.The plan to liven up Stamford Bridge comes from fans’ group We Are The Shed, who are also masterminding the creation of a singing section in the famous stand.While it’s not exactly keeping the blue flag flying high, it’s good to see that some supporters are not just giving up on the fading atmospheres at Premier League grounds.Where English stadiums were once revered for their noise and sway, they are now silent tourist attractions. Keep up the good work.Chelsea Women vs Tottenham will be broadcast on the BBCCredit: Reuters More

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      How Premier League could boast ELEVEN teams in Europe next season with seven qualifying for Champions League

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      THE PREM could still have 11 teams in Europe next season – although it needs Aston Villa to pull off the mother of all Champions League comebacks to still be on.Arsenal’s quarter-final first-leg thrashing of Real Madrid last week confirmed that England will have a fifth Champions League place next term, for the first time.Aston Villa’s second leg against PSG will be integral for other Prem clubs and their European hopesCredit: EPAFulham and Brighton could still qualify for EuropeCredit: ReutersBut if Villa were to find a way of overhauling their 3-1 first-leg deficit when Paris Saint-Germain visit the West Midlands tomorrow and go on to lift the trophy in Munich next month, that would mean six Prem teams in the competition.That would even extend to SEVEN if either Tottenham or Manchester United can progress and win the Europa League.And there is the possibility of a further FOUR places on offer if Chelsea make their status as Conference League favourites count by adding that trophy to the club’s European haul.If the standings in the Prem table were not to change between now and the end of the season, the current top five of Liverpool, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Manchester City would all earn a passage directly into the initial stage of the Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEnglish football also has three more guaranteed European slots, two in the Europa League plus one in the Conference League.But only one of those places, the second Europa League spot, would normally be awarded by a Prem finish, with the winners of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup respectively taking the automatic entries.However, a Wembley Final triumph for City or semi-final opponents Forest, or for Villa if they win the Champions League, will mean the place would revert to the Prem table.With Newcastle having won the Carabao Cup, their qualification for the Champions League would open the place in the third-tier competition.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIf Chelsea win the Conference League AND qualify for Europe through their League position, England would have a maximum of 10 sides in continental action.However, if Enzo Maresca’s Blues blow up in the Prem but still win the Conference League it would open up the path for a remarkable English battalion next term.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be missing four defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final That could see Europa League football for Fulham and Brighton, with Bournemouth squeezing into the Conference League. More

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      Chelsea ratings: Tyrique George breaks deadlock with first Blues goal but tired Cole Palmer hooked at half-time

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      CHELSEA took control of their Europa Conference League quarter-final tie against Legia Warsaw after a 3-0 win in Poland.The Blues had to deal with a raucous atmosphere from the Polish crowd with pre-game pyrotechnics leaving a heavy cloud of smoke in the visitor’s defensive end at the start of the game.Tyrique George celebrated scoring his first Chelsea goalCredit: ReutersNoni Madueke was rewarded with a goal of his own after coming off the bench following an injection of energy into the gameCredit: PAThe home crowd were certainly up for the clash and sang throughout the game, despite precious little happening in the first half.Enzo Maresca clearly gave his side a wake-up call at half-time with the Blues looking energised after the break before Tyrique George reacted quickest to a Reece James shot to break the deadlock.Noni Madueke then grabbed the second a few minutes later as Chelsea made the most of a counter-attack.Madueke added a third, again set-up by Jadon Sancho, 25 seconds after Christopher Nkunku saw a penalty saved. Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Blues in Poland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilip Jorgensen – 6Not tested in the first half with Chelsea dominating the ball.Looked set to not change second half until he had to save a vicious Patryk Kun shot from close range in the 90th minute.Joshua Acheampong – 6Played more like a third CB with Gusto more advanced inverting from LB and looked comfortable enough in the role. Stepped into a more conventional role and won the ball back high leading to the game’s first shot on target from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.Grew in confidence on the ball and was more involved second half.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTosin Adarabioyo – 5Made some clever line-breaking passes to set the Chelsea attackers away at the Legia defence.Taken off at half-time for Levi Colwill.Fans beg Cole Palmer ‘never change’ as footage of Chelsea star asking waiter bizarre question emerges Benoit Badiashile – 5Showed good strength against the Legia attackers. Nodded down a cross into a dangerous area which needed last-ditch defending to clear.Malo Gusto – 6Playing at left-back today and looked out of sorts after giving the ball away cheaply on a few occasions. Grew into the game and was better with his crosses.Replaced by Mathis Amaugou after the third goal went in.Reece James – 7Back in midfield for the clash and looked comfortable spraying passes about even if he was rarely tested on the ball. Showed some good strength when asked to do his defensive duties.Curled a lovely cross into Dewsbury-Hall just after the break but his midfield partner fluffed his header. Saw shot a shot rebound out for George to score the rebound.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6Often found himself drifting out to the right-hand side to support Sancho. Had a curling shot palmed away by the goalkeeper for the first shot on target before missing an open header in the middle of the area on the stroke of halftime.Had another superb chance just after the break after ghosting into the box to head a James cross.Cole Palmer – 4Popped up all over the pitch to get on the ball but struggled to find his range, with one pass to Nkunku on a promising counter-attack going behind the striker.Looked tired and was hooked at half-time for Madueke.Jadon Sancho – 7Saw a lot of the ball in the early stages with little tangible output. Seemed to lack either the bravery or know-how to beat his defender, despite often being isolated one-on-one.Moved to the left wing after the break and looked brighter pairing with Gusto. Set up Madueke to score the second goal of the evening. Set up Madueke again 25 seconds after Nkunku’s saved penalty with a good low cross to the far post.Christopher Nkunku – 3Wasted a dangerous counter-attack by dragging a shot wide in the 15th minute, though in his defence the pass he was fed by Palmer was behind him. Put a ball on a plate for Dewsbury-Hall to score but he miscued his header.Moved behind George after the break and looked more interested in the game thereafter. Was just his luck when he won a penalty before seeing the spot-kick saved, with Madueke then scoring 25 seconds later.Tyrique George – 7George reacted quickest to a reboundCredit: ReutersQuiet in the first half but then scored his first senior goal just after the break as he was first to react on a rebound from a James shot when he was moved into the central striker role.Taken off after 75 minutes. But showed bright spots after his move inside.SubsNoni Madueke (for Palmer, half-time) – 9Madueke netted two goals after coming off the bench in the second halfCredit: APMade an impact straight away when he took on his man and managed to send them pedalling backwards. Rewarded for his positive play with a goal set up by Sancho on a Chelsea counter-attack.Added a second seconds after the penalty save as he tapped in a Sancho cross at the far post.Levi Colwill (for Adarabioyo, half-time) – 6Solid defensively on the rare occasions he was tested, but was most impressive spraying passes out of the back line.Marc Cucurella (for James, 58 mins) – 5Almost caught out within moments of coming on after Kun got behind him, only to fire the ball out of play.Read More on The SunMathis Amougou (for Gusto, 75 mins) – 6Made his European debut coming on in Poland. Not much to note after that.Shumaira Mheuka (for George, 75 mins) – 5Saw some powerful bursts into the box late on but was let down by a poor pass or touch. More

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      Legia Warsaw 0 Chelsea 3: Blues have one foot in Conference League semi-finals as Sancho shines despite exit links

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      THE flares and pyrotechnics were in the home areas but it was Chelsea who delivered the second half explosives to effectively seal their place in the Europa Conference League semi-finals.This Blues team which cost over £1billion to put together has not exactly set alight the tournament which was introduced by Uefa for the game’s paupers.Noni Madueke made the difference after coming onCredit: PAJadon Sancho provided two assistsCredit: ReutersMadueke taps in Chelsea’s third from close rangeCredit: GettyTyrique George scored the first senior goal of his careerCredit: RexBut no other team in the Conference League can afford to take off a player like Cole Palmer at half-time and introduce a player like Noni Madueke.Blues manager Enzo Maresca was rewarded for his change with Madueke playing a part in the first goal, scored by teenager Tyrique George, before the England international grabbed the next two goals.Madueke’s second goal, for 3-0, came 25 seconds after striker Christopher Nkunku missed a penalty.And while Chelsea failed to score in the first half for a seventh successive game, they are in a good place for next week’s second leg when Legia and 1000 of their notorious fans – after a five-match away ban – will head to Stamford Bridge.READ MORE IN CHELSEAFor Chelsea, this was a first ever competitive game in Poland and it looks as though a second one in the same country will follow next month.While only 742 of Chelsea’s hardcore away support were allowed into this quarter-final first leg – and they were kept in for 60 minutes after the match for their own safety – the supporters will surely be heading back here in much greater numbers on May 28.As expected, the atmosphere inside the Polish Army Stadium was pretty lively and the home ultras’ constant use of flares is certain to land them with a Uefa fine. Another one.Chelsea were poor in the first half and created very little with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall having their only shot on target.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut four minutes into the second half, Reece James’ long-range shot was parried by the home keeper Kacper Tobiasz and George neatly tucked away the rebound for his first senior goal.That certainly took the sting out of the tie and the second goal duly followed with keeper Tobiasz at fault again, this time his poor clearance being cut out by James.Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training groundChelsea ratings vs Legia Warsaw as Tyrique George scores first ever Blues goalCHELSEA took control of their Europa Conference League quarter-final tie against Legia Warsaw after a 3-0 win in Poland.The Blues had to deal with a raucous atmosphere from the Polish crowd with pre-game pyrotechnics leaving a heavy cloud of smoke in the visitor’s defensive end at the start of the game.The home crowd were certainly up for the clash and sang throughout the game, despite precious little happening in the first half.Enzo Maresca clearly gave his side a wake-up call at half-time with the Blues looking energised after the break before Tyrique George reacted quickest to a Reece James shot to break the deadlock.Noni Madueke then grabbed the second a few minutes later as Chelsea made the most of a counter-attack.Madueke added a third, again set-up by Jadon Sancho, 25 seconds after Christopher Nkunku saw a penalty saved.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Chelsea victors…Jadon Sancho, who did little in the first half but played with a bit more zip after the break, picked out Madueke and he stroked a shot into the bottom corner from near the penalty spot.Chelsea were awarded a spot-kick after a foul on Dewsbury-Hall but Nkunku , who looks devoid of all confidence, saw his penalty saved by Tobiasz.Yet just 25 seconds later, Sancho burst down the left and his cross was turned in at the far post by Madueke.For Maresca, he can once again focus on claiming a top five spot in the Premier League with a game at home to Ipswich on Sunday.And due to this result, the Italian coach can make a few more changes for the second leg before trying to clip the wings of their lofty west London neighbours Fulham three days later. More

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      ‘I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smoke

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      CHELSEA fans have fumed that they can’t see their own players following a crazy pyro show from Legia Warsaw supporters.The Blues are in Poland tonight for the first leg of their Uefa Conference League quarter-final. Legia fans unleashed a stunning tifo ahead of their Conference League game with ChelseaCredit: TNTSmoke billowed out from behind the goalCredit: TNTFans flocked onto social media to complain they couldn’t see the gameCredit: TNTThe Legia fans’ huge banner read ‘Fear no one’ and was accompanied by flaresCredit: PALegia fans welcomed the two teams onto the field with a stunning display from the terraces. Ultras behind the goal released a mammoth tifo, setting off flares and fireworks. A banner was raised by the fans, reading: “Fear no one.”But huge amounts of smoke billowed out down onto the field and remained there for almost 10 minutes after kick-off.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans were quick to moan that they couldn’t see the players on TNT’s coverage from the Polish capital. One fan complained on X: “I am trying to watch the game of Legia vs Chelsea but I can’t see anything.”Another said: “I can’t be the only one struggling to see what’s going on in this Chelsea game.”While a third added: “I can’t even see the match , which kind of stadium is this.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd a fourth fumed: “Why are they allowed to create smoke like this?”Enzo Maresca welcomed back Cole Palmer to the starting XI for the clash in Poland. Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeThe England midfielder was dropped for Chelsea’s clash to Brentford last weekend.Djurgardens or Rapid Vienna await the winners of the two-legged clash.Chelsea aim to become the first club to win all three of Uefa’s active club competitions. For Legia, controversial coach Goncalo Feio has already guided the Polish club to their best European run in the 21st century. More