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      Chelsea ratings: Mudryk delivers star showing with goal and two assists but Badiashile caught out for Panathinaikos goal

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      CHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos. Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.Chelsea eased to a routine win over PanathinaikosCredit: EPAJoao Felix got the goals flowing with a neat finishCredit: ReutersBefore kick-off, the Greek side paid tribute to former defender George Baldock in their first home match since his tragic death.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku. However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation. Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…READ MORE ON CHELSEAFilip Jorgensen – 7Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start. Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet. Axel Disasi – 5Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts. Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBenoit Badiashile – 5Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede. Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central. Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskFilip Jorgensen’s biggest challenge was dealing with the laserCredit: TNT SportsRenato Veiga – 6Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post. Marc Cucurella – 6Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession. Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance. Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal. Enzo Fernandez – 6Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband. Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure. Pedro Neto – 7A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.Christopher Nkunku – 7Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner. Mykhailo Mudryk – 9Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix. Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all. Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again – brilliant performance, best man on the pitch and one of his best performances for Chelsea.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in at the back postCredit: APChristopher Nkunku made no mistake from the spotCredit: ReutersJoao Felix – 8Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home. Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.SUBSTyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on. Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.READ MORE SUN STORIESCesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday. Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5Got the final stages but game all over by then. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had bags of energy in midfieldCredit: APJoao Felix found the net twice and won a penaltyCredit: AP More

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      Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku has banned laser pen shone in his FACE by fans before scoring penalty vs Panathinaikos

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      CHELSEA stars Filip Jorgensen and Christopher Nkunku had lasers shone in their faces at PanathinaikosThe Swedish-Danish goalkeeper, 22, got a rare start between the stick for the Conference League trip in Greece on Thursday.Filip Jorgensen had a laser beamed on his face during the Conference League trip to PanathinaikosCredit: TNT SportsChristopher Nkunku was also targetedCredit: TNT SportsThe Frenchman kept his composure to score the penaltyCredit: TNT SportsBut when the hosts got ready to put a corner into the danger area after 14 minutes, he was distracted by a laser.The green beam could clearly be seen on Jorgensen’s face. An announcement was put out over the PA system at the Olympic Stadium in Athens. However, it was seemingly ignored by some as Enzo Fernandez also had his face lit up in green during the first half.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThen before Nkunku took his penalty to make it 4-0 on the night, he was blinded by the bright laser beams.The Frenchman had to cover his eyes with his hand and squinted while being targeted but kept his composure to slot home the spot-kick. And the offences could prompt a fine from Uefa as punishment to Panathinaikos for their fans’ behaviour.Chelsea fans took to X, outraged by the use of a laser pen – which is an all-too-familiar occurrence in Greek football.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne fumed: “So Panathinaikos fans are doing laser in the face of Chelsea players? How classy.”Another wrote: “Why are Panathinaikos fans pointing laser pens at Chelsea’s players?? Why?”Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskAnd a third added: “Nothing says Conference League like laser pointers on the faces of Chelsea players!”Joao Felix rounded off a lovely team move to break the deadlock before Mykhailo Mudryk headed in for 2-0.Mudryk, who assisted the first, turned provider again for the third as Felix’s deflected strike bounced in.The Portuguese forward won the penalty from which Nkunku scored before ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation for the hosts. Earlier on, Panathinaikos paid an emotional tribute to their former defender George Baldock.Baldock died tragically in the swimming pool at his Athens home on October 9 aged just 31. A live band played a version of David Bowie’s Starman ahead of kick-off, the song Sheffield United used for his chant during his time with the club.Fans in both the home and away end held up cards with Baldock’s No32 on, while 32 flags bearing the number were waved pitchside.Supporters also displayed a homemade banner reading “George Baldock, Immortal” in Greek in the club’s first home game since his sudden passing.Chelsea ratings vs Panathinaikos: Mudryk gives rare glimpse of his talent but one defender strugglesCHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos.Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku.However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…Filip Jorgensen – 7Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start.Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet.Axel Disasi – 5Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts.Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick.Benoit Badiashile – 5Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede.Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central.Renato Veiga – 6Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post.Marc Cucurella – 6Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession.Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance.Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal.Enzo Fernandez – 6Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband.Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure.Pedro Neto – 7A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.Christopher Nkunku – 7Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner.Mykhailo Mudryk – 9Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix.Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all.Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again.Joao Felix – 8Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home.Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.SUBSTyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on.Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.Cesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday.Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5Got the final stages but game all over by then.Players from both sides, who took part in a minute’s silence ahead of the game, wore black armbands while the Chelsea squad also posed with a Blues shirt with “Baldock, 32” printed on the back.READ MORE SUN STORIESBaldock’s team-mates appeared close to tears during the minute’s silence, with manager Diego Alonso having said the club were still in a state of mourning.Panathinaikos players and staff plan to travel to England for Baldock’s funeral later this month, while the club are also considering honouring the remainder of his three-year deal to support his family. 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      Panathinaikos vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Latest Conference League updates as Blues look to continue perfect start in Europe

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      CHELSEA continue their Conference League campaign TONIGHT as they travel to Panathinaikos.The Blues will be looking to continue their perfect start in Europe after they thrashed Gent 4-2 in their competition opener.Enzo Maresca’s side are aiming to hit straight back from their 2-1 defeat at Liverpool on the weekend.Kick off time: 5.45pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Panathinaikos team: Dragowski; Kotsiras, Schenkeveld, Jedvaj, Mladenovic; Cerin, Maksimovic; Mancini, Ounahi, Pellistri; JeremejeffChelsea team: Jorgensen; Cucurella, Disasi, Badiashile, Veiga; Enzo, Dewsbury-Hall; Neto, Joao Felix, Mudryk, NkunkuFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Panathinaikos statsPanathinaikos are sixth in the Greek Superleague table after three wins and two losses in their first eight league matches.Diego Alonso’s side have scored a mere seven goals and conceded a whopping six.PAO picked up a 0-0 shock draw at Borac in their first ever Conference League match three weeks ago.That means the Greek giants now sit 19th in the League Phase table.Copy linkCopiedPanathinaikos formationPanathinaikos manager Diego Alonso has chosen a 4-2-3-1 formation for this emotional match.Bartlomiej Dragowski starts in goal with Giannis Kotsiras at right-back and Filip Mladenovic on the other side, while Tin Jedvaj and captain Bart Schenkeveld team up at centre-back.Adam Cerin and Nemanja Maksimovic link up in midfield with Azzedine Ounahi at No10.Daniel Mancini covers the right flank with Facundo Pellistri on the other side, while Alexander Jeremejeff spearheads the attack.Copy linkCopiedChelsea formationChelsea boss Enzo Maresca appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 formation for his heavily rotated line-up against Panathinaikos.Filip Jorgensen starts in goal with Renato Veiga at right-back and Marc Cucurella on the other hand, while Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi team up at centre-back.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Joao Felix and captain Enzo Fernandez link up in midfield.Pedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku spearhead the attack.Copy linkCopiedPanathinaikos subsLodygin, Lilo, Vagiannidis, Sporar, Tete, Bakasetas, Ingason, Fikaj, Bregou, Duricic, Arao, DabizasCopy linkCopiedChelsea subsSanchez, Bergstrom, Tosin, Madueke, Chukwuemeka, Sancho, Casadei, George, Guiu, Rak-Sakyi, MheukaCopy linkCopiedPanathinaikos XIDrągowski, Schenkeveld, Ounahi, Cerin, Mancini, Maksimovic, Jedvaj, Mladenovic, Kotsiras, Pellistri, JeremejeffCopy linkCopiedChelsea XIJorgensen, Disasi, Cucurella, Badiashile, Neto, Fernandez, Mudryk, Felix, Nkunku, Dewsbury-Hall, VeigaCopy linkCopiedThe team sheets are in!!!Copy linkCopiedChelsea statsChelsea completed a whopping 92.6 per cent of successful passes in their first ever Conference League match against Gent three weeks ago at Stamford Bridge.That was the highest return of all matchday one teams in that category.The Blues defeated Gent that night with a score of 4-2, which led them to sixth place in the League Phase table.Tonight marks the West Londoners’ first ever away match in the competition against an opponent they never faced before.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedHead to HeadThis is the first ever time Panathinaikos and Chelsea face off throughout their entire history.The Blues become the sixth English club PAO meet after 18 matches against the likes of Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United.The Athens giants only beat the Gunners and lost 11 of the other games against everyone bar the Toffees.Chelsea are set to face their fourth Greek opponent after Olympiacos, Aris and PAOK, all of which they met on two occasions each.The West Londoners count four wins and no losses across all competitions.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGood afternoon from AthensWelcome to SunSport’s live blog coverage of the Conference League clash between Panathinaikos and Chelsea at Athens Olympic Stadium (OAKA) in the League Phase – Kostas here, and I will be bringing you all the action from Greece.The Blues pose as the strongest favourites to win this European competition, which would seal a hat-trick of continental trophies after conquering the Champions League and Europa League in recent years.However, the West Londoners will have to do it without Marcus Bettinelli, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia and star man Cole Palmer at least during the first round as they have been omitted from the squad list.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has also travelled to Athens without Levi Colwill, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson.who stayed in London to rest ahead of Sunday’s crunch Premier League clash with Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.Panathinaikos manager Diego Alonso, on the other hand, is without Dimitris Limnios, Zeca, Tonny Vilhena, Erik Palmer-Brown, Hordur Magnusson, Ruben Perez, Alexis Trouillet, Lazlo Kleinheisler and Benjamin Verbic who are ineligible after missing out on the squad list.Alonso is also deprived of Philipp Max who is nursing a sprain and star striker Fotis Ioannidis who has been sidelined with an adductor injury.However the Uruguayan tactician has been given a boost with Andraz Sporar passing fit in time after overcoming a knock.Nevertheless, PAO are in a time of mourning after the sudden death of star player George Baldock who tragically died two weeks ago.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      Inside Panathinaikos’ stadium now used by minnows with 2,500 fans – as Greek side host Chelsea in rented ground

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      CHELSEA are visiting Panathinaikos in the League Phase of the Conference League tonight at Athens Olympic Stadium.The Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) has been used on and off by PAO ever since 2005 as they swap between Greece’s largest stadium and their historic ground of Apostolos Nikolaidis.Panathinaikos are facing Chelsea away from their traditional groundCredit: GettyPanathinaikos’ historic Apostolos Nikolaidis ground is in Leoforos AlexandrasCredit: GettyPanathinaikos have beaten the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona at LeoforosCredit: GettyThe Greek giants competed at their traditional home – also known simply as Leoforos because of its position at Alexandra’s Avenue in the centre of the capital – last season.However, Diego Alonso’s side returned to OAKA for this term after previous issues with the stadium’s roof were dealt with to the satisfaction of Uefa.This comes after the ground, named after famous 1896 Olympic hero Spiros Louis, had to close due to concerns over the stability of its steel dome last year.Greek press claimed authorities lost a manual with detailed instructions regarding the dome’s maintenance left behind by architect Santiago Calatrava – who built the landmark in 2004.Read More on FootballHowever, OAKA has reopened this season and the Blues will be playing in the same venue that hosted the 2004 Olympics as well as the Champions League final in 1983, 1994 and 2007.The Athens stadium holds a capacity of 70,000, which makes it larger than every Premier League ground bar Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Wembley.The club are paying rent to the Greek state, which is worth in the range of €300,000 (£250,000).PAO have experienced immense success at OAKA in the past having beaten the likes of Juventus, Roma and Feyenoord – that was also where they hosted Ajax in the 1995-96 Champions League semi-finals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it doesn’t compare to the glory Panathinaikos have tasted at Leoforos as that is where they played in the 1970-71 campaign.That was when Ferenc Puskas’ side made it to the European Cup final – eliminating Everton in the quarter-finals along the way – at Wembley where they were beaten by Johan Cruyff’s Ajax.Chelsea Player Ratings vs LiverpoolPanathinaikos later enjoyed even more European success at Leoforos as they made it to the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2001-02 campaign by beating the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.However, this season the ground is being used by Superleague opponents Kallithea, who are renting it out and are tasked with the venue’s maintenance.The Greek club needed to meet the necessary top flight requirements to host games, such as installing CCTV, but that would have cost them around €500,000 (£416,000).And so a decision was made to move to a stadium that already has the necessary gear, while Panathinaikos make a profit without having to worry about maintenance while playing in Marousi.Leoforos holds a capacity of 16,620, which is far larger than the average 2,454 attendance rate Kallithea are currently recording this season.Panathinaikos are currently working on building their own stadium at Votanikos – a project that has been in the works in the last two decades.Moving to a new stadiumHowever, Greek reports suggest the state of the art ground, which is expected to hold a capacity of over 40,000, will be completed by Christmas of 2026 or New Year’s Day of 2027.Nevertheless, as per the current rate of construction, the stadium could open its doors in time for the 2027-28 season.OAKA is expected to be at full capacity tonight due to Chelsea’s visit, which will see manager Enzo Maresca missing key players.Levi Colwill, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson are left out.And of course Marcus Bettinelli, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia as well as star man Cole Palmer were omitted from the Conference League list.Tonight will be an emotional match as it marks Panathinaikos’ first home game since star man George Baldock’s tragic death two weeks ago, therefore a series of tributes have been organised.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth teams will be wearing black armbands while a minute’s silence will be held in Sheffield United legend Baldock’s memory.And Oaka has been filled with posters, which read: ” There’s a starman is waiting in the sky”.Chelsea face Panathinaikos at the Athens Olympic Stadium, also known as OAKACredit: GettyOAKA is Greece’s largest stadium with a bigger capacity than every Premier League ground bar Manchester United’sCredit: GettyPanathinaikos have beaten the likes of Juventus, Roma and Feyenoord at OAKACredit: Getty More

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      League One stadium hosting European football for first time in history THIS WEEK with tickets on sale for just £16

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      A LEAGUE ONE stadium is set to host European football for the first time.The decision was agreed by Uefa despite the 9,875-capacity ground never hosting football at higher than third tier level in England.A League One stadium will host European football for the first timeCredit: GettyWrexham’s Racecourse Ground was unavailable to host the fixturesCredit: GettyIn fact, the club that own the ground have never been in the top flight before.However, Welsh side The New Saints were forced to make contingency plans following their shock run to qualify for the Conference League.Despite being from Wales, TNS already play their home games in England – however their 3,000-capacity Park Hall ground in Oswestry, Shropshire, was deemed too small to host European group games by Uefa.As a Welsh club, TNS’ preference was to host games in Wales – and their first port of call was Hollywood-owned Wrexham.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIn 2005, when the team was still called Total Network Solutions, Wrexham hosted their Champions League qualifier with Liverpool.However, the Racecourse Ground was not available to host the games on this occasion.Chairman Mike Harris said back in August: “Places like Cardiff are three hours away from where we are, so our fans and stakeholders can’t really get there. “It’s got to be somewhere more local.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It’s [Shrewsbury’s Croud Meadow] a ground that fits Uefa criteria and it’s 20 minutes down the road from us, so it’s an option.”Wrexham and Shrewsbury would be most ideal for us, but I’m not sure the Racecourse is available. Bolivia move to stadium 2,000 FEET higher in bizarre bid to qualify for World Cup 2026 “So it’s our priority to get the games in a stadium that can cater for the games, but also giving the people around us a chance to go and watch.”TNS take on Astana on Thursday evening at 8pm in their first ever European group stage home game.Tickets are now on sale from £16 for adults.In their opening game, they put up a brave fight away at last season’s finalists Fiorentina, who feature former Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea in their side.The New Saints had never reached a European group stage beforeCredit: GettyShrewsbury’s Croud Meadow will be their temporary homeCredit: GettyThe Welsh champions held the Italians for over an hour before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat after goals from Yacine Adli and Moise Kean.Their other four group games will be against Djurgarden and Panathinaikos at home and Shamrock Rovers and Celje away. More

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      Aerial photos of Stamford Bridge show stadium damage caused by Gent fans during Conference League clash

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      CHELSEA’S first Conference League match of the season was marred by violent scenes from Gent fans at Stamford Bridge.The Blues hosted the Belgian outfit in the League Phase and won 4-2 with a convincing display by Enzo Maresca’s men.Shocking aerial photos show the full extent of the damage caused by Gent fansCredit: PAGent fans tore seats out of Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge groundCredit: PAGent fans caused chaos both inside and outside of Chelsea’s groundCredit: PAGent fans threw the seats away after tearing them outCredit: PAHowever, travelling fans caused chaos both inside and outside of the stadium before the game even began.The visitors filled the plush streets of west London with flares and loud chants as they made their way into the ground.Fans waved scarves over their heads and blocked the middle of the road as cyclists tried to weave between the crowd while buses were completely halted.And when inside, the carnage continued when some fans tore up chairs in the stands and threw them away.Read More on ChelseaThe Chelsea fans were left further horrified when the Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn down.And shocking aerial footage showed the full extent of the damage done.Almost entire rows of seats have been ripped off in what poses as a shameful site.Chelsea, though, had a smooth evening on the pitch as they cruised to their first ever Conference League victory.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe hosts opened the scoring after just 12 minutes with Renato Veiga’s first ever goal for the club and doubled their lead one minute into the second half with Pedro Neto.Gent hit back with Tsuyoshi Watanabe just four minutes later but Christopher Nkunku put the game away on 63 minutes.Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also scored his first ever Chelsea goal only seven minutes later.And Wouter Vrancken’s side grabbed another consolation goal with Omri Gandelman in the 90th-minute mark.Chelsea went on to pick up an easy victory over GentCredit: GettyChelsea won 4-2 despite the shameful scenes at the standsCredit: GettyChelsea’s Renato Veiga and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored their first Chelsea goals despite the chaosCredit: GettyGent fans caused bedlam in the Conference LeagueCredit: Rex More

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      Chelsea fans fume after Gent supporters throw chairs and rip down banners from stands in ugly scenes during clash

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      GENT supporters caused chaos both inside and outside of Stamford Bridge before Chelsea’s Europa Conference League match. Enzo Maresca’s Blues hammered the travelling Belgian side 4-2. Gent fans threw chair seats at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPIt caused ugly scenes inside Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPThe Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn downCredit: GettyScenes turned ugly in the Chelsea away endCredit: GettyA ripped up broken seat is chucked by away fansCredit: GettyBut the visiting Gent fans made their presence known in the hours leading up to the game. They filled the plush streets of West London with flares and loud chants as they made their way into the stadium. Fans waved scarves above their heads and blocked the middle of the road as cyclists tried to weave between the crowd while buses were completely halted.And when inside, the carnage continued when some fans tore up chairs in the stands and THREW them. READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe Chelsea faithful were left further horrified when the Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn down. One said: “Disgraceful.”Another added: “The Gent fans were absolutely disgraceful.”Both sets of fans engaged in aggressive chanting back and forth as things looked to be on the brink of escalating. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn the pitch, Chelsea breezed to a comfortable win thanks to goals from Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. It was Maresca’s fifth win on the spin and he said: “We are performing not only in attack but defensively very well. We are happy. Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape “I need to repeat always the same: For sure, we can do many, many things better – we can attack better and defend better. “Tonight probably the most important thing we can learn is even if we are 4-1, even to the final whistle you have to switch on, you cannot switch off.”I think we conceded the second goal just because we saw the game was already finished. “I think if we want to be one step forward, even when you are 4-1 and the game is almost finished, you need to continue and not concede another goal. “We are really happy with the performance. We approached it very well. These games are never easy. “So I am very happy with the performance and the result.”Enzo Maresca celebrates with his playersCredit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Mudryk has beating of Gent full-back all night but Badiashile makes too many mistakes

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      CHELSEA breezed past lesser opposition as they thrashed Belgian champions Gent 4-2 in the Uefa Conference League tonight.Enzo Maresca’s side continue to impress this season, and did it without the help of Cole Palmer this evening – who has been left out of their Conference League squad.Chelsea breezed past Gent in a 4-2 winCredit: PAThe Blues looked comfortable against lesser oppositionCredit: GettyIt was a night of firsts for the Blues as they played their first ever full Conference League game and two players got their first goal for the club.Both Renato Veiga and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall found the back of the net for the first time since the arriving in SW6.While Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku also found the back of the net in front of a calm Stamford Bridge crowd.Here’s how SunSport’s Dan King rated every Chelsea performance for the win…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilip Jorgensen – 6Confident with his feet, did not have a lot to do with his hands. Absolutely blameless for both Gent goals, let down by defence.Axel Disasi – 5Little to do in first half. Ball into channel led to Chelsea’s second, but first Gent goal was not the last time the Blues looked short on the right.Renato Veiga – 7Excellent header for the opener. Comfortable inverting into midfield, hitting some good passes, but lost man for Gent’s second.Renato Veiga bagged his first goal for ChelseaCredit: GettyTosin Adarabioyo – 5Caught out for Gent’s best first-half chance and nowhere to be seen when the Belgians pulled one back. Weirdly, looked otherwise comfortable.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBenoit Badiashile – 5Shocking first half of poor passes and mistakes which could have been punished. Better after break, but Levi Colwill won’t be losing any sleep.Cesare Casadei – 6Frustrated Maresca at times, but also improved as time went on. Apart from his comedy overhead kick attempt, that is.Antonio Rudiger instantly wins over Arsenal fans as former Chelsea defender pays Gunners stars huge complimentKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Gave the ball away in a shaky start, but grew into the game and delighted boss Enzo Maresca by poaching Chelsea’s fourth.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also scored his first goal for the BluesCredit: GettyPedro Neto – 7After struggling for end product in the first half, delivered an excellent finish to double Chelsea’s lead and his confidence visibly increased Pedro Neto bagged in front of the Stamford Bridge crowdCredit: ReutersJoao Felix – 6Faded after a lively start. Plenty of neat touches but nothing decisive, as if he knows he has no chance of displacing Cole Palmer.Mykhailo Mudryk – 7Had the beating of the Gent right back all night long. Great cross from right for opening goal but could not quite find another killer pass.Christopher Nkunku – 6Barely had a kick in the first half, looking lost. Ended the frustration by blasting in Chelsea’s third and celebrated with a balloon.Christopher Nkunku is making a habit of scoring when he playsCredit: GettySubsMarc Guiu (for Nkunku 80′) – 5Fired wide from a narrowish angle.READ MORE SUN STORIESTyrique George (for Neto 80′) – 5Had little chance to show what he could do More