Chelsea cruise to another comfortable Conference League win

Joao Felix ended his goal drought with a brace as Chelsea powered to a 4-1 win against Panathinaikos in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday.

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

Yet to start a Premier League game following his move from Atletico Madrid, the 24-year-old seized the chance to prove a point to Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

Felix's only goal in seven previous appearances this season came on his debut at Wolves on August 25.

He ended his six-game barren run in the first half against out-classed Panathinaikos and netted again after the interval.

Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku were also on target as Chelsea made it two wins from two games in the tournament.

"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."

Before kick-off, Panathinaikos paid tribute to their defender George Baldock, who drowned in his swimming pool in Athens aged 31 earlier this month.

In Panathinaikos's first home match since Baldock's death, his team-mates warmed up wearing the Greece international's number 32 on their shirts, while fans held up green cards with the same numerals during an emotional minute's silence.

Maresca made 11 changes from the side that lost at Liverpool last weekend, but still fielded a strong side that was far too dynamic for the Greek side.

Felix put Chelsea ahead in the 22nd minute, starting the move with a cushioned header to Mudryk before sprinting into the six-yard box to slot home from the Ukrainian's cross.

After setting up Chelsea's opener, Mudryk bagged the second himself in the 49th minute with a fierce strike from Neto's cross.

Felix scored again in the 55th minute, putting the result beyond doubt with a 20-yard drive that took a wicked deflection into the net.

Nkunku's 59th minute penalty, awarded for Daniel Mancini's foul, underlined Chelsea's superiority.

Facundo Pellistri got one back for Panathinaikos with a close-range finish in the 69th minute.