Chelsea Football Club has been drawn against FC Copenhagen for the last-16 of the UEFA Conference League, igniting hopes for another European triumph.
Following the draw held at UEFA’s headquarters in Switzerland, Chelsea—managed by Enzo Maresca—has learned they will face Copenhagen, kickstarting the knockout phase of the competition. The first leg of this matchup is set to take place on March 6, 2025, at the Danish capital's Parken Stadium, with the return leg scheduled for March 13 at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues topped their league phase impressively, boasting six victories from six matches, scoring 26 goals and conceding just five. This performance established them as overwhelming favorites to claim the Conference League, which would be another feather in their illustrious cap, adding to their previous European successes, including the Champions League and Europa League.
FC Copenhagen secured their spot against Chelsea after surviving the knockout playoffs, defeating Heidenheim 4-3 on aggregate. Historically, Chelsea and FC Copenhagen have faced each other multiple times, with the most recent encounter occurring during the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League round of 16, where Chelsea emerged victorious.
Chelsea’s speaker reflected on the draw, stating, "We were placed on the green, right side of the bracket," emphasizing the favorable conditions for the team. With their solid track record, the squad's confidence remains high, but Maresca will need to focus on improving their domestic form, having recorded only two wins from their last nine matches.
The draw also indicated potential pathways for the subsequent rounds, should Chelsea advance. If they defeat Copenhagen, they would encounter either Legia Warsaw or Molde of Norway in the quarter-finals, with matches scheduled for April 10 and 17. Looking forward, reaching the semi-finals may pit them against teams like SK Rapid or Pafos.
Aside from tactical preparations, Maresca noted, "The only thing I can say is every time the fans have been behind us, we really appreciate because we are sure with the fans behind we can achieve our target soon." This sentiment underlines the club's reliance on its supporters as they aim to balance their league challenges with European aspirations.
The stakes are high not only for Chelsea but for sorts fans as well. A successful run could secure their place next season's Europa League, adding more pressure to perform. Chelsea's strategic planning will surely factor significantly as they head toward what they hope will be another successful European campaign.
The final for the UEFA Conference League is slated for May 28, 2025, at the Stadion Wrocław, setting the stage for what the club hopes will be their crowning achievement of the season.
With rigorous preparations underway, Chelsea fans eagerly anticipate the matchup against Copenhagen, where their team’s mettle will be tested against the Danish side as they embrace their quest for continental glory.