Chelsea are set to resume their UEFA Europa Conference League journey on Thursday night as they aim to progress further in their quarter-final encounter against Polish side Legia Warsaw.
Heading into the fixture, the Blues are widely regarded as favourites to go all the way in the tournament.
However, their immediate challenge comes in the form of a determined Legia Warsaw team, who currently sit fifth in Poland’s top division, having secured just 12 victories in 27 matches so far this season.
Despite the lack of any prior meetings between the two clubs, the clash promises to be a unique test for Chelsea — not just in terms of footballing competition, but also because of the environment they are about to step into.
One of the key aspects Chelsea’s relatively youthful squad will need to contend with is the intense and electric atmosphere that awaits them at the Estadi de l’Exèrcit Polonès.
While Chelsea may have more talent on paper, the hostile crowd could prove to be a game-changing factor.
Midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who joined Chelsea in the summer, has first-hand experience of what it’s like to play in such an environment.
During the 2021/22 Europa League season, he featured for Leicester City against Legia Warsaw, a match that ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat for the Premier League side.
Reflecting on that encounter, Dewsbury-Hall spoke about the passionate support from Legia’s fans and has taken it upon himself to prepare his current teammates for the occasion.
“I’ve already spoken to the lads and told them what they should expect,” he revealed in a conversation with journalist Ben Jacobs.
“The home support will definitely energize their players.
It was a bit hostile, but in a positive sense — the kind of European night you don’t forget easily.”
Thursday’s fixture carries significant implications beyond just reaching the semi-finals.
A victory would not only edge Chelsea closer to European silverware but would also relieve some of the pressure currently weighing on manager Enzo Maresca.
Securing a trophy in his first season at Stamford Bridge could go a long way in solidifying his position at the helm of the club.
Dewsbury-Hall also pointed out the chance to make history — Chelsea are on the verge of becoming the first English club to have won every major UEFA competition.
That achievement alone, he said, serves as strong motivation for the players to give their all and keep pushing forward in their European campaign.
