Chelsea made it two wins and eight goals from two Europa Conference League games, as Joao Felix scored twice in a routine 4-1 success at Panathinaikos on Thursday.

Having beaten Gent 4-2 in their opening match in UEFA's third-tier competition last month, Enzo Maresca's much-changed Blues produced another scintillating display in Greece.

After Filip Jorgensen kept them level with a reflex save to deny Tin Jedvaj, Chelsea surged ahead in the 22nd minute as Mykhailo Mudryk squared from the left for Joao Felix to finish.

They were held at arm's length for the rest of the first half, but two goals in seven second-half minutes soon put the game beyond Panathinaikos, Mudryk meeting Pedro Neto's searching cross to head in the first.

Joao Felix then had his second goal – and Mudryk his third goal involvement – in the 55th minute, the former taking in the latter's pass before his deflected shot squirmed into the bottom-left corner.

Christopher Nkunku added a fourth from the penalty spot after Joao Felix's cross was handled by Daniel Mancini, with the hosts – who marked the death of right-back George Baldock before kick-off – getting a consolation shortly afterwards through former Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri.  

Data Debrief: Mudryk the main man

While Joao Felix scored twice, it was Mudryk that delivered a Man-of-the-Match performance with a goal and two assists, taking full advantage of his opportunity as Maresca made 11 changes to his lineup.

He created a game-high three chances, completed 100% of his 14 passes and had more touches in the opposition area (four) than any other player.

Enzo Maresca has confirmed it is "not possible" for Chelsea to use Josh Acheampong while the Real Madrid-linked defender refuses to sign a new contract.

The highly rated 18-year-old is under contract at Chelsea only until the end of next season, and a number of leading clubs, including European champions Madrid, are said to be interested in prising him away from Stamford Bridge.

Acheampong has so far played only twice for Chelsea, making his Premier League debut against Tottenham in May before appearing in last month's EFL Cup win against Barrow.

But reports this week revealed Acheampong would not appear again for the Blues until his future was resolved.

For head coach Maresca, who had hoped to use the academy graduate in Thursday's Conference League clash with Panathinaikos, it is a blow.

"I feel a bit of shame for Josh because this kind of game is an opportunity for him," said Maresca.

"I had a chat with him personally, about three weeks ago, about his situation. The chat we had was very good, positive, but I haven't spoken with him since.

"It is a shame because I really think he is potentially a top player.

"The first thing we need to do is to find a solution for his contract, for his future. It's a bad situation for him at the moment. I don't know if the people are helping him or not.

"I really like Josh and I would like to have him here with us, but it is not possible."

Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen will play in Greece, Maresca said, while forwards Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix also hope to feature.

"Similar to Joao, [Mudryk] is doing well, but in this moment there are more players that are doing well," Maresca explained. "It is important for him and the rest that when they get the chance, they take it."

Manchester United have confirmed that midfielder Facundo Pellistri has completed a permanent move to Panathinaikos. 

Pellistri, who made 25 appearances for United following his move from Penarol in 2020, has signed a four-year deal with the Greek side for a reported £5.1m transfer fee. 

The Red Devils have inserted a significant sell-on clause – thought to be 45% - and have a buy back option that lasts for three years. 

Pellistri spent the second half of the 2023-24 season on loan with LaLiga side Granada, notching four goal involvements, two of which came in a 3-3 draw against Barcelona back in February (one goal and one assist). 

The 22-year-old also featured for Uruguay at this year's Copa America, turning out in all of La Celeste's fixtures as they finished in third place at the tournament. 

Upon his return to domestic duty, Pellistri came off the bench and played 31 minutes in United's penalty shootout defeat against Manchester City in the Community Shield, which proved to be his final outing for the club. 

He becomes the tenth player to leave the club in the transfer window, with Erik ten Hag still looking to strengthen his squad for the upcoming campaign. 

United have been linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte in order to bolster their midfield options, having reportedly withdrew their interest for Adrien Rabiot after leaving Juventus in June.