Sun Mar 09 13:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Chelsea Edges Past Copenhagen in Europa League, But Leboeuf Remains Critical
**COPENHAGEN, Denmark** – Chelsea secured a narrow 2-1 victory over FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie, but the performance failed to impress former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf. Reece James’s long-range strike and a late goal from substitute Enzo Fernández gave the Blues the advantage heading into the second leg. However, a late header from Gabriel Pereira gave Copenhagen a crucial away goal, leaving the tie far from decided.
Cole Palmer made his first Europa League appearance of the season for Chelsea. Despite the win, the performance has drawn criticism, with Leboeuf (specific criticisms not detailed in source material) voicing his displeasure. The victory puts Chelsea in a strong position to progress to the quarterfinals, though the away goal conceded keeps the tie alive ahead of the return leg at Stamford Bridge.
First Piper 