Chelsea took one step into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League with a 2-1 win at Copenhagen on Thursday in the first leg of their last 16 tie, while Panathinaikos and Fiorentina played out a five-goal thriller.

Reece James and Enzo Fernandez netted in the second half, before Gabriel Pereira halved the deficit for the hosts, as Enzo Maresca's side just did enough to take control of the tie in the Danish capital.

"Copenhagen are a good team, they play good football, have a skilled coach, and have many talented players," said Maresca.

"I'm always nervous, but right now, the focus is on our next matches. The return leg will be another tough game."

Following an uninspiring opening period, Chelsea skipper James broke the deadlock one minute after half-time when he strode onto Marc Cucurella's deep cut-back and rolled an effort from distance inside the near post.

The goal brought the game to life and Copenhagen nearly struck back instantly, only for Viktor Claesson to see his one-on-one effort come back off the inside of Robert Sanchez's post and into the goalkeeper's grateful arms.

Half-time substitute Fernandez made the game safe for the visitors with an emphatic 65th-minute finish following good work by teenager Tyrique George.

The Premier League side were cruising until 11 minutes from time when Pereira was left unmarked in the box to nod in from a set-piece.

"When you go to Stamford Bridge (Chelsea's stadium) and need to win a game by two goals, you need a little miracle," said Copenhagen coach Jacob Neestrup.