Felix’s Brace Leads Chelsea to Conference League Win

Felix ended his goal drought with a double as Chelsea powered to a 4-1 win against Panathinaikos in the UEFA Conference League while the Welsh side The New Saints created history with a 2-0 win over Kazakhstan’s Astana on Thursday.

Forward Felix has struggled to make an impact out in front for Portugal since returning for a second spell with Chelsea in August.

Yet to start a Premier League game since his move from Atletico Madrid, he took full advantage of the opportunity to show Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca what he is capable of. Felix’s only goal in seven previous appearances this season came on his debut at Wolves on August 25.

This was his first in six games and arrived in the first half against out-classed Panathinaikos, with him netting again after the interval. Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk sealed the win for Chelsea, which made it two wins from as many games in the competition.

“I think the most important thing is, no matter how many players we change, you can see the identity of the team. The identity is quite clear,” Maresca said.

“What we want is exactly what they’re doing, taking the chance when we give it to them. Tonight once again they showed that.” Ahead of kick-off, Panathinaikos paid an emotional tribute to their defender George Baldock, who drowned in his swimming pool in Athens aged just 31 earlier this month.