Chelsea took a significant step toward the UEFA Conference League quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory over Copenhagen in their last-16 first-leg encounter on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Panathinaikos edged Fiorentina in a five-goal thriller, while Molde and Real Betis also featured in action-packed ties.
In the Danish capital, Reece James and Enzo Fernandez struck in the second half to give Enzo Maresca’s side a crucial advantage, despite Gabriel Pereira pulling one back late for the hosts.
A cagey first half saw few clear-cut chances, but Chelsea captain James broke the deadlock just one minute after the restart.
Meeting Marc Cucurella’s deep cut-back, he placed a precise shot from distance inside the near post.
The goal sparked life into the contest, with Copenhagen nearly responding instantly, Viktor Claesson’s one-on-one effort struck the inside of Robert Sanchez’s post before rolling safely into the goalkeeper’s grasp.
The visitors extended their lead in the 65th minute when half-time substitute Fernandez finished emphatically after an impressive assist from teenage talent Tyrique George.
Chelsea appeared to be in full control until the 79th minute when Pereira found space in the box to nod in from a set-piece, keeping the tie alive ahead of the return leg.
