In the realm of sports, some moments go beyond the boundaries of the game, moments that leave a lasting impact on not just fans, but on all of humanity. The rise of Chapecoense Football Club was a remarkable and inspiring story of overcoming adversity, with a team and a city coming together in pursuit of a common goal. However, this story took a tragic turn, reminding us that dreams can be fragile and easily shattered by the cruel hand of fate.

You might have heard their name tossed around in football circles, right? They were this amazing underdog story, rising from the lower divisions of Brazilian football to the brink of continental glory. But then, everything took a gut-wrenching turn on that fateful day, November 28th, 2016.

 

The Fatal Flight

Picture this, the team was buzzing with excitement as they boarded their flight to the Copa Sudamericana final in Medellin. It was supposed to be their moment of triumph, the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. But instead, it turned into a nightmare. "It felt like a nightmare. One moment, we were full of hope and excitement, and the next, everything came crashing down. It's something I'll never forget." - Survivor of the Chapecoense plane crash, Jackson Fullman.

As the plane soared through the sky, alarms started blaring. You can imagine the panic that must've set in as the pilots realized they were running out of fuel. And yet, despite all the warning signs, they kept going. It's like they were playing a game of chicken with fate, and tragically, they lost.

 

Warnings Ignored

I'm no aviation expert, but even I know that running out of fuel mid-flight is a recipe for disaster. And yet, that's exactly what happened. The pilots' decisions, or their lack of good choices, sealed the fate of everyone on board.

The aftermath was devastating. Lives were lost, dreams were shattered, and a community was left reeling from the shock. But amidst the grief, there were moments of solidarity and compassion that reminded us of the power of humanity. Gareth Bale said: “Absolutely horrendous to hear about the crash carrying Chapecoense My thoughts are with all the families of the passengers and crew!

 

Solidarity Amidst Sorrow

Atletico Nacional's gesture in calling for Chapecoense to be awarded the Copa Sudamericana title was a shining example of sportsmanship in the face of tragedy. Teams and fans from around the world rallied behind Chapecoense, offering their support and solidarity in their darkest hour.

In the years since the crash, Chapecoense has shown incredible resilience. Led by survivors like Alan Ruschel, they've clawed their way back from the brink, proving that the human spirit is truly unbreakable.

 

Honoring the Fallen

As we remember the tragedy of Chapecoense, let's also remember the lessons it taught us. Let's never forget the lives that were lost and the families that were forever changed. And let's vow to never let negligence and hubris overshadow the pursuit of safety and humanity, both on and off the field.

 

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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.