Chelsea took a huge step towards the UEFA Conference League semi-finals on Thursday night, beating Legia Warsaw 3-0 in Poland — and it was 19-year-old Tyrique George who stole the spotlight.

The teenager, making just his 11th appearance for the Blues in Europe this season, netted his first senior goal for the club with a poacher’s finish early in the second half. Reacting quickest after Reece James’ strike was parried by Legia keeper Kacper Tobiasz, George slammed home the rebound to break the deadlock in the 49th minute. It was a fitting reward for a player who has impressed in flashes throughout the campaign and continues to rise through the ranks at Cobham.

George’s goal opened the floodgates for Enzo Maresca’s men, who doubled their lead just eight minutes later. Substitute Noni Madueke finished smartly with a low drive after slick build-up play involving Jadon Sancho — the on-loan winger putting in arguably his best display in blue.

Chelsea had the chance to extend their lead further when Christopher Nkunku won a penalty, but his 73rd-minute effort was saved. It didn’t matter, though. Minutes later, Sancho linked up once more with Madueke, delivering a precise low cross that the England winger tucked away to seal his brace and put Chelsea firmly in the driving seat.

With a three-goal cushion heading into next week’s return leg at Stamford Bridge on April 17, Chelsea are now overwhelming favourites to reach the semi-finals, where they’ll face either Djurgardens or Rapid Vienna.

This was a performance full of confidence, attacking intent and maturity — led by the cool head of a teenager making his mark on the European stage. If this is just the beginning for Tyrique George, Chelsea fans are in for a treat.