Chelsea Faces Legia Warsaw in UEFA Conference League Quarterfinal Showdown

WARSAW, Poland — Chelsea will take on Legia Warsaw in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarterfinal matchup on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Kickoff is set for 5:45 p.m. BST at the Polish Army Stadium. The Blues are entering the match as heavy favorites, aiming to secure a strong position ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Manager Enzo Maresca has made several changes to his lineup, opting for a mix of established players and younger talents, including Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong. The team’s composition has sparked some debate among fans, especially with key players like Reece James and Nkunku starting in unusual roles.

Legia Warsaw, currently fifth in Poland’s Ekstraklasa, is looking to upset the odds after a strong performance in the previous round against Molde. Legia’s starting XI includes Tobiasz in goal and features players such as Rúben Vinagre and Morishita.

“We understand the challenge ahead,” said Maresca during a pre-game press conference. “The atmosphere here is intense, but we are prepared and focused on the task.” Chelsea supporters, however, will have a limited presence at the stadium due to safety concerns, with less than 800 tickets allocated for visiting fans.

Legia’s head coach, Goncalo Feio, will have to manage without the suspended Artur Jedrzejczyk and Jan Ziolkowski. Notably, Steve Kapuadi returns from suspension, but injuries to key players like Marc Gual and Bartosz Kapustka could impact Legia’s performance.

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK and streamed through various platforms. As Chelsea continues its quest for European glory, all eyes are on this highly anticipated clash—one that guarantees an electrifying atmosphere and a critical matchup in their campaign.

This will mark the first competitive encounter between the two clubs, elevating the stakes for both sides as they seek to establish an advantage in the quest for the UEFA Conference League title.