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Thanks to former manager Mauricio Pochettino, now in charge of the USA men’s national team, Chelsea finished 6th in the EPL last season, which earned them a spot in the newly reformed UEFA Conference League.
Under new manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues took this opportunity and turned it into reality by winning a two-legged play-off against another European club that had just lost in the Europa League third-round qualifiers.
Before diving into Chelsea’s journey to the UEFA Conference League, let’s look at the history of this competition and what changes mean for the London-based club.
UEFA Conference League: Tournament History:
The UEFA Europa Conference League was introduced in 2021/22 as the third UEFA men’s football club competition. It aims to make continental football more inclusive by involving a wider range of associations.
The tournament runs on Thursday nights alongside the UEFA Europa League, featuring over 170 teams throughout the season, including at least one from each UEFA association.
Previous winners include Roma (2022), West Ham United (2023), and Olympiacos (2024). This season, the competition has been renamed the UEFA Conference League.
What is the New Format?
The 2024/25 season brings significant changes to the Conference League. The group stage has been replaced by a single 36-team league, where each side faces six different teams (three at home, three away).
The top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16, while those finishing ninth to 24th enter a knockout play-off round for a spot among the final 16. All knockout ties are played over two legs.
How Did Chelsea Qualify for the UECL Draw?
Chelsea's entry into the UEFA Conference League marks a new chapter in their European journey. After missing out on the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, they had to win a play-off round against Swiss side Servette, who had lost to Braga in a Europa League play-off.
Chelsea secured their spot in the league phase with a narrow 3-2 aggregate victory. Christopher Nkunku's penalties in both legs and Noni Madueke’s goal at Stamford Bridge sealed their qualification. As the highest-ranked team in the competition, Chelsea was placed in Pot 1 for the league phase draw.
Analysis of the Draw:
Chelsea will face six different teams in their first Conference League campaign. The Blues were drawn against Gent (Belgium) at home, Heidenheim (Germany) away, Astana (Kazakhstan) away, Shamrock Rovers (Republic of Ireland) at home, Panathinaikos (Greece) away, and Noah (Armenia) at home.
While Chelsea has faced teams from Belgium, Germany, and Greece before, this will be their first competitive meeting with clubs from Kazakhstan, the Republic of Ireland, and Armenia.
Gent and Panathinaikos could present a tougher challenge, whereas matches against Shamrock Rovers and Noah might offer opportunities for squad rotation.
The draw for the group stage took place yesterday and pitted Chelsea at home to Gent, Shamrock Rovers and FC Noah. Our away matches take place against Heidenheim, FC Astana and Panathinaikos.
Chelsea’s Confirmed UEFA Conference League Fixtures:
UEFA have since confirmed the dates and UK kick-off times for each fixture, which are as follows...
Thursday, 3 October
Chelsea vs Gent
Kick-off: 8pm
Thursday, 24 October
Panathinaikos vs Chelsea
Kick-off: 5.45pm
Thursday, 7 November
Chelsea vs FC Noah
Kick-off: 8pm
Thursday, 28 November
Heidenheim vs Chelsea
Kick-off: 5.45pm
Thursday, 12 December
FC Astana vs Chelsea
Kick-off: 3.30pm
Thursday, 19 December
Chelsea vs Shamrock Rovers
Kick-off: 8pm.
Chelsea's Chances of Progression:
Chelsea’s chances of advancing to the knockout stages appear promising. As the top-most-ranked team with substantial European experience and a deep squad, the Blues are favourites to progress from the league phase.
Key players like Cole Palmer and Nicholas Jackson, both of whom saw their Chelsea contracts extended recently, and Noni Madueke, have already shown their importance with their stellar performances for Chelsea already this season.
However, with the news of Cole Palmer being dropped from Chelsea’s squad for the UEFA Conference League, manager Enzo Maresca, will have to find a way to not only field a strong team without the English star but settle on a tactical approach that will Chelsea handle the diverse styles they will encounter in these away grounds.
However, complacency could be dangerous. Away fixtures, especially against teams like Astana and Heidenheim, could pose challenges due to unfamiliar environments and local conditions.
Conclusion:
Chelsea's journey in the UEFA Conference League promises excitement and opportunity. With a favourable draw and a strong squad, they have a good chance to progress and possibly win the competition.
Success in the Conference League would add a European trophy to Chelsea’s collection and set a strong foundation under Enzo Maresca’s leadership. The upcoming matches will be crucial in defining the season, and fans are eager to see how the team performs on this new stage.
You can check out and bet on Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League games here on MSport.
