**Chelsea Dominates Panathinaikos 4-1 (Oct 25)**

ZAGO 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Oct 25, 2024

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Chelsea Dominates Panathinaikos 4-1 in Champions League Group Stage Opener

Chelsea kicked off their Champions League campaign with a resounding 4-1 victory over Panathinaikos at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, October 25th. The Blues showcased their dominance throughout the match, leaving little room for the Greek side to mount any serious challenge.

A Dominant First Half from Chelsea

The home side took the lead early on, with Nicolas Jackson opening the scoring in the 12th minute. The Senegalese forward, signed from Villarreal in the summer, showcased his clinical finishing ability, slotting the ball past Panathinaikos goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli.

Chelsea continued to press, and their relentless attacking pressure paid off in the 30th minute. Raheem Sterling, who had been a constant threat throughout the first half, found the back of the net with a well-taken finish, doubling the Blues' lead.

Just before halftime, Chelsea added a third goal. Mykhailo Mudryk, making his first Champions League start for the club, expertly controlled a cross from Ben Chilwell before firing the ball past Brignoli.

Panathinaikos Briefly Showed Resistance

The second half saw a brief period of resistance from Panathinaikos. Bernard pulled a goal back for the visitors in the 59th minute, giving them a glimmer of hope. However, their hopes were quickly dashed as Chelsea restored their three-goal lead just three minutes later.

Carney Chukwuemeka, who had come on as a substitute, capped off a brilliant individual performance by scoring Chelsea's fourth goal. The young midfielder, who had made a significant impact since joining the club from Aston Villa in the summer, displayed his impressive talent and composure in front of goal.

Chelsea's Tactical Dominance

Chelsea's victory was a testament to their tactical superiority. Manager Mauricio Pochettino had his side playing with a high tempo and intensity, pressing relentlessly and exploiting the spaces in the Panathinaikos defense. The Blues dominated possession, creating numerous chances and keeping their opponents under constant pressure.

A Strong Start to the Champions League Campaign

This comprehensive victory sends a clear message to the rest of the Champions League contenders. Chelsea, with their talented squad and under the leadership of Pochettino, are ready to compete for the top honors. The Blues will be looking to build on this positive start as they progress through the group stage and aim to make a deep run in the competition.

This win will undoubtedly boost Chelsea's confidence as they prepare for their upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa.