João Félix brought an end to his recent struggles with a superb performance, scoring twice in Chelsea’s dominant 4-1 win over Panathinaikos in the UEFA Conference League. The Portuguese forward, who returned to Chelsea from Atlético Madrid for a second spell in August, had been under pressure to deliver after failing to start a Premier League match this season. This game offered him the perfect opportunity to make his mark, and he seized it convincingly, showcasing his quality and reminding Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca of his potential.
Félix’s only previous goal for Chelsea this season came in August against Wolves, and he had gone six games without scoring since then. However, against an outmatched Panathinaikos side, he ended his barren run with a clinical display. He opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a composed finish, after initiating the move with a cushioned header to Mykhailo Mudryk, who then delivered the perfect cross. Félix was on hand in the six-yard box to slot home and give Chelsea the lead.
Mudryk, who had assisted Félix’s opener, was also on the scoresheet in the second half. He smashed in a fierce strike from Neto's cross to double Chelsea’s advantage just after the interval. Félix then added his second and Chelsea’s third with a 20-yard shot that took a deflection and found the back of the net, putting the result beyond doubt. Christopher Nkunku added the final goal for Chelsea from the penalty spot after Daniel Mancini committed a foul in the box.
Despite making 11 changes from the side that lost to Liverpool in the Premier League, Chelsea were far too dynamic and organized for Panathinaikos. While Félix stole the headlines with his brace, Mudryk and Nkunku’s contributions further demonstrated Chelsea’s attacking depth.
For Panathinaikos, Facundo Pellistri scored a consolation goal in the 69th minute, but the Greek side was outplayed for much of the match. The night was also emotionally charged, as Panathinaikos honored their defender George Baldock, who tragically passed away earlier this month. His teammates wore shirts with his number 32 during warm-ups, and a minute’s silence was observed in his memory.
Chelsea’s dominant display marked their second consecutive win in the UEFA Conference League group stage, and the performance, particularly by Félix, sent a clear message of intent in their European campaign. Meanwhile, Félix’s individual resurgence could signal a turning point in his Chelsea career, providing Enzo Maresca with more attacking options as the season progresses.
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