Tyrique George’s first goal for Chelsea helps them to convincing Warsaw win

Tyrique George scored his first Chelsea goal as Enzo Maresca’s side eased past Legia Warsaw to take a 3-0 lead into the second leg of their Conference League quarter-final.

Next week’s return at Stamford Bridge should be little more than a formality and it would take an almighty collapse for Chelsea not to reach the last four from here, after three second-half goals helped purge the memory of another uninspiring first period.

The moment of the match came from academy graduate George, the 19-year-old winger reacting quickest inside the box after Reece James’ effort was saved, before substitute Noni Madueke doubled the lead minutes later.

Madueke hit his second 15 minutes from time, tapping in just seconds after Christopher Nkunku had had a penalty saved.

It took until the 34th minute for Chelsea to draw a significant save from Legia goalkeeper Kacper Tobiasz.

After Cole Palmer’s attempted effort from the edge of the box was well blocked, the ball broke for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who opened up his body and curled an effort towards the corner that was well tipped away at full-stretch by Tobiasz.

James summed up his side’s lack of attacking ideas when, struggling for options, he lashed badly high and wide from 30 yards, a snapshot of Chelsea’s first-half frustrations.

Dewsbury-Hall had a final chance to send Chelsea into half-time in the lead when he planted a free header wide with the last play of a half in which the visitors had enjoyed more than 70 per cent possession but mustered just two efforts on target.

Palmer, whose goal drought stretches back to January 14, was withdrawn at the break following another quiet display, and was replaced by Madueke for his second substitute appearance since returning from injury.

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