ATHENS — Ahead of a demanding Premier League fixture against Newcastle United, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made 11 changes to his starting lineup at the Athens Olympic Stadium—and watched his "B-team" run rampant in a resounding 4–1 Conference League victory over Panathinaikos.
The Blues weathered early home enthusiasm before seizing absolute control in the 22nd minute. A lightning counter-attack saw Mykhailo Mudryk race down the left wing and square a pinpoint delivery for João Félix to side-foot calmly past Bartłomiej Drągowski.
Mudryk doubled the advantage shortly after the interval, rising at the far post to power home Pedro Neto’s looping cross with a bullet header into the roof of the net.
The Ukrainian winger turned provider once more in the 55th minute, picking out Félix whose deflected effort deceived the goalkeeper for his second of the evening. Four minutes later, Christopher Nkunku stroked home a penalty after a handball inside the area.
Former Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri pulled back a consolation goal for Panathinaikos, but Chelsea coasted through the final 20 minutes to maintain their 100% record in the UEFA Conference League.
"The squad depth and competitive desire shown tonight was exactly what I asked for," Maresca said. "João Félix and Mykhailo Mudryk demonstrated high tactical maturity. When you play every three days, having players perform at this level when called upon is priceless."
Chelsea return to London brimming with momentum before Sunday’s top-four battle with Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.