Chelsea attempts another European trophy against FC Copenhagen
- The draw for the knockout stage of the Conference League occurred in Switzerland today.
- Chelsea, who finished first in their league phase, will play against FC Copenhagen in the last 16.
- The team views this competition as their last viable chance for a trophy this season.
In Switzerland on February 21, 2025, the draw for the knockout rounds of the UEFA Europa Conference League was held, revealing Chelsea's opponents in the last 16. The team, led by head coach Enzo Maresca, had a strong start to the season but faced challenges as they dropped out of domestic cup competitions and fell from the top four in the Premier League. Chelsea secured first place in the league phase of the Conference League, winning all six of their matches and scoring 26 goals, making them favorites in this tournament. Despite their domestic struggles, the Blues are now focusing on the Conference League, which is their last realistic chance to secure a trophy for the current season. A triumph in this competition would not only add to their already impressive European achievements but would also give them a place in the next season's Europa League. Chelsea were able to avoid some of the tougher opponents in the knockout stage by finishing first in their group and subsequently being seeded. They will play against FC Copenhagen, a team that progressed after a strong performance against FC Heidenheim in their play-off. The draw for the next rounds indicated that if Chelsea advances past Copenhagen, they could face teams such as Molde or Legia Warsaw in the quarter-finals, suggesting a potentially challenging path to the final. Chelsea remains optimistic about their chances, hoping to capitalize on their existing form in Europe, even as they navigate through player injuries and stress surrounding their league standings. The remaining matchdays for the Conference League are set for March 6 and 13. Chelsea, as the seeded team in this round, will host the second leg, providing them an additional advantage in their pursuit of European glory. The team is aiming to become the first club to win all three of UEFA's main competitions if they can secure victory in the Conference League, adding to their Champions League and Europa League titles achieved in previous years.