Chelsea is set to host Polish side Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-finals on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 20:00 BST. With a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, the Blues are heavy favorites to advance to the semifinals.
After a strong performance in Poland, where Chelsea outclassed Legia, they will look to confirm their place in the next round. This matchup comes at a crucial time for Chelsea, who have struggled in the Premier League, recently drawing 2-2 with Ipswich Town, leaving them outside the Champions League spots. Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's manager, is keen to lift spirits with a solid showing at home.
"We try to always prioritize the next match. The next match is tomorrow night and that for us is an important game because it gives us the chance to reach a semi-final of a European competition. That is the first one. So hopefully, we can reach the semi-final, and then focus on Sunday," Maresca stated, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming match.
As Chelsea prepares for the second leg, they are expected to rotate their squad. Youngsters Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George have made significant contributions, with George scoring his first senior professional goal in the first leg. Other academy talents like Mathis Amougou, Shumaira Mheuka, and Samuel Rak-Sakyi could also see action. Senior players such as Reece James, Benoît Badiashile, and Christopher Nkunku may return to the lineup as well.
"We have to approach this match with the right attitude and the right team selection to avoid any complacency," Maresca added, indicating his awareness of the potential pitfalls of a seemingly straightforward match.
On the other hand, Legia Warsaw is looking to bounce back after their disappointing first leg and a recent 1-0 defeat to Jagiellonia Białystok in the Ekstraklasa. Head coach Gonçalo Feio expressed his team's intention to play more aggressively this time around. "We want to create chances. We will take it step-by-step, but it is better to stand up to Chelsea and play better when we have the ball. Tomorrow we want to write Legia history," he said, highlighting their desire to improve.
Legia will welcome back defenders Artur Jędrzejczyk and Jan Ziółkowski, who were suspended in the first leg, but they will still be without key attacking players Marc Gual and Bartosz Kapustka due to injuries. This puts them at a significant disadvantage as they face a Chelsea team eager to solidify their dominance in the tie.
The match will not only be significant for Chelsea's European ambitions but also as they look to regain confidence heading into their next Premier League fixture against Fulham. With only six league matches remaining, the pressure is on to secure a spot in the Champions League.
As Chelsea gears up for this crucial encounter, fans will be hoping for a performance that not only seals their place in the semifinals but also reignites their league campaign. The Blues have shown glimpses of their potential, but consistency has been an issue, making this match a vital opportunity for them to build momentum.
Kick-off is set for 20:00 BST, and the game will be available to watch on TNT Sports in the UK, with streaming options on discovery+ for viewers in the UK, Paramount+ in the USA, and Sony LIV in India.
With the stakes high and the atmosphere expected to be electric at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will aim to deliver a performance that reassures their supporters and sets the tone for the remainder of the season. Will they fulfill expectations and move one step closer to European glory? Only time will tell as the action unfolds on the pitch.
