The Blues were comfortable winners in Greece thanks to an inspired display from Mudryk, a player who has flattered to deceive previously.
As was perhaps to be expected, Chelsea beat Panathinaikos comfortably in the Europa Conference League to once again flex their considerable muscles in Europe. The inspired form of Mykhailo Mudryk was central to what turned into a procession in Greece
In the first half, Chelsea opened the scoring after 22 minutes, as Joao Felix finished Mudryk's clever cut-back. The Ukraine winger then scored a goal of his own, heading home Pedro Neto's superb delivery shortly after the restart.
As Panathinaikos faded throughout the second half, Chelsea found more and more pockets of space, and Felix took advantage, firing home from the edge of the box via a wicked deflection to make it 3-0 to Enzo Maresca's side.
He swiftly won a penalty, forcing a handball from a cross, and Christopher Nkunku finished from 12 yards.
Panathinaikos did pull one back through ex-Manchester United star Facundo Pellistri but it was too little, too late.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Athens Olympic Stadium…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Filip Jorgensen (6/10):
Stunning save within two minutes to keep Chelsea ahead. Beaten all ends up by the goal.
Renato Veiga (5/10):
Tested a couple of times one-on-one, with varying results. Not as good on the ball as some of his team-mates and almost scored a stunning late own-goal.
Benoit Badiashile (6/10):
Stood up to some early Panathinaikos pressure but then faded badly.
Axel Disasi (6/10):
Elegant on the ball. Never really tested in a defensive capacity.
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
Not able to attack as often as he regularly does but played well defensively. Beaten in the build-up to the Panathinaikos goal.
AdvertisementAFPMidfield
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (6/10):
Smart in his movement and his passing. Nothing too flashy, but his rhythm and tempo is outstanding.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
Forced a good save in the first half. Orchestrated from deep brilliantly. Subbed for Casadei.
Christopher Nkunku (7/10):
Scored from the penalty spot. A rather low-key performance but an effective one.
AFPAttack
Pedro Neto (7/10):
Always tries to go by his man, which can get fans off their seats. Did exactly that when he crossed for Mudryk's goal. Subbed but a dynamic display.
Joao Felix (8/10):
Opened the scoring with a smart finish. Added a second with a fortunate deflected finish. Can lead the line so effectively given his ability.
Mykhailo Mudryk (9/10):
Clever assist for Felix, finding his team-mate after a surging run. Scored a good header at the back post. Easily his best display in a Chelsea shirt.
AFPSubs & Manager
Marc Guiu (5/10):
On for Nkunku. Barely touched the ball.
Tyrique George (6/10):
Introduced for Neto. Was desperate for a goal but couldn't find one.
Cesare Casadei (N/A):
Kept the midfield ticking after his late introduction.
Carney Chukwuemeka (N/A):
Came on as the clock ticked down.
Enzo Maresca (7/10):
Chelsea won the game and were able to rotate effectively while bringing in some prospects for valuable minutes. Maresca may be a little peeved with the defending for Panathinaikos' goal but this was an ideal display.