Chelsea progress in Europe despite loss: Player ratings & match analysis | OneFootball

Chelsea has booked their place in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals after a 4-2 aggregate win over Polish side Legia Warsaw. Even though they were defeated 2-1 at home, their first-leg result was enough for the Blues to reach the last four.

The match started in a typical fashion the home fans have become accustomed to, with Chelsea enjoying most of the possession but struggling to create anything meaningful from it. However, in their first real venture into the Chelsea half, Legia managed to win a penalty after their skipper, Tomas Pekhart, was clipped by goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. Pekhart stepped up and scored, although the Danish goalkeeper will be disappointed with his effort to keep the ball out.

Chelsea continued their possession-heavy approach without asking many questions until Jadon Sancho took the ball down the left before delivering a low cross, which was turned into the back of the net by Marc Cucurella to level the score. The Spaniard then thought he had given his team the lead towards the end of the half, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Less than ten minutes into the second half, however, Legia regained the lead. Steve Kapuadi scored for the visitors from a corner to make it 2-1. Despite having a narrow opening to put the game to bed, Legia looked content with just the win. Chelsea, despite their superb form in the competition so far, had no response to get a goal back.

The result means Chelsea’s nine-match winning run came to an end, as they suffered their first defeat of the season in the Conference League. The loss also made Chelsea the first English team to lose at home to a Polish side.

Chelsea player ratings in the Conference League vs Legia Warsaw (4-2-3-1)

Filip Jorgensen - 4.5/10

Conceded the penalty needlessly. Poor in his attempt to save it despite the tame nature of the spot-kick. Displayed questionable goalkeeping again for the second goal. Not at all convincing despite the need only to get the basics right.

Josh Acheampong - 5/10

Gave away the ball that led to the corner from which Legia scored. For all the praise from Enzo Maresca, it seemed to have a negative effect on the youngster. He was very poor.

Tosin Adarabioyo - 5/10

Caught ball-watching as the ball went past him and was headed in by Kapuadi for 2-1. Despite his experience, he wasn’t the leader they needed at the back. Gave the ball away multiple times.

Benoît Badiashile - 5.5/10

Not his best game either, but slightly better than his center-back partner. Instead of looking for forward options, he seemed content just recycling the ball at the back.

Marc Cucurella - 7/10

Did well to get into the box and score the equalizer. Was unlucky to be offside when he thought he’d scored a second.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 5.5/10

After a few good outings in the Conference League, Dewsbury-Hall struggled in this match. Despite his efforts, he couldn't establish control in midfield.

Reece James - 5.5/10

Gave the ball away multiple times in midfield, allowing Legia to counter. Showed his quality with some accurate long balls, but in Maresca’s system, where he is insisted upon to play centrally, he looked very average.

Jadon Sancho - 6.5/10

Assisted Cucurella’s goal, continuing his good form. Tried to influence the game but couldn't help the team otherwise.

Cole Palmer - 5/10

Missed an early chance. Showed flashes of quality with his vision, but was taken off before the hour mark, which won't help his confidence.

Christopher Nkunku - 5/10

Played the full 90 minutes. Showed some nice touches but didn’t look anything like the player who scored regularly during the league phase.

Nicolas Jackson - 5/10

Managed only 11 touches in the first half and was relatively quiet. Taken off at half-time, something that won’t do much for his confidence as he continues to search for his first goal in over four months.

Sub: Tyrique George - 5/10 (on 46' for Nicolas Jackson)

Had a shot cleared off the line just after the hour mark. Had a good chance to pass to a teammate late on but opted to blast it instead. A poor outing for the youngster.

Sub: Malo Gusto - 6/10 (on 57' for Marc Cucurella)

Showed some good touches at the back and tried to contribute going forward. However, playing Gusto, a natural right-back, on the left didn't help anyone.

Sub: Noni Madueke - 5/10 (on 58' for Cole Palmer)

Missed a decent chance from Gusto’s cross minutes after coming on. Had some promising touches but couldn’t do anything to influence the result.

Sub: Pedro Neto - 5/10 (on 83' for Jadon Sancho)

Came on too late to impact the game. Couldn’t provide any spark for the team.

Manager: Enzo Maresca - 3/10

Became the first manager of an English club to lose to a Polish side. Oversaw Chelsea’s first Conference League defeat. With the club’s Premier League form in sharp decline, the Conference League was his one chance to give fans something positive, but he managed to lose there too while playing uninspiring football. Every player out there looked distinctly average.