Chelsea, Fiorentina, and Real Betis have all advanced to the semifinals of the UEFA Conference League, showcasing their determination to claim a prestigious European title. Chelsea's journey to the semifinals was marked by a commanding 3-0 victory over Legia Warsaw in the first leg, which set the stage for their aggregate success despite a 2-1 loss in the second leg at Stamford Bridge on April 17, 2025. This victory propelled Chelsea into the semifinals with a 4-2 aggregate score.
Fiorentina also made headlines by securing their spot in the semifinals after a nail-biting 2-2 draw against Slovenian club Celje at home, resulting in a 4-3 aggregate victory. The decisive moment came from Moise Kean, whose second-half goal proved crucial for the Italian side. Meanwhile, Real Betis advanced with a 3-1 aggregate win over Jagiellonia Bialystok, following a 1-1 draw in their second leg.
The day’s most dramatic result came from Djurgarden, who stunned Rapid Wien with a 4-1 victory on the night and a 4-2 aggregate win, scoring two goals in extra time. Djurgarden will now face Chelsea in the semifinals, while Fiorentina will take on Real Betis. The semifinals are scheduled for May 1 and May 8, with the final set for May 28 at the Stadion Miejski in Poland.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca expressed his concerns after the team's second-leg defeat, particularly regarding the missed opportunities that could have altered the match's outcome. "The (chances) that we are missing unfortunately are very easy goals," Maresca said, reflecting on the team's struggles in front of goal. The Blues faced a challenging match where they initially fell behind due to a penalty from Tomas Pekhart, who capitalized on a foul by goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen just ten minutes into the game.
Marc Cucurella managed to equalize for Chelsea, scoring his sixth goal of the season, but the team struggled to maintain momentum. Chelsea was caught off guard early in the second half when Steve Kapaudi headed in a corner, giving Legia the lead once more. Despite the defeat, Maresca remained optimistic about Chelsea's prospects in the competition, stating, "We’re not happy with the defeat, but probably after the first leg we tried to manage the result, rotate players and try to avoid injury because we have an important game Sunday."
The pressure is on Chelsea as they are also in a tight race to qualify for the Champions League, facing Fulham in a crucial London derby on April 20, 2025. Maresca's strategy of rotating players in preparation for this match has drawn mixed reactions from fans, who voiced their discontent after the second leg against Legia.
Reflecting on the fans' reactions, Maresca insisted that he did not perceive any negativity in the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. "For me tonight the environment was good, I didn’t see any bad moments from the fans. We need to engage them," he said. Meanwhile, Legia's coach Goncalo Feio praised his team's performance against a formidable opponent, emphasizing the importance of believing in their capabilities.
The semifinals promise to be thrilling encounters, with Chelsea preparing to face Djurgarden, who have shown resilience and determination throughout their campaign. The Swedish side's recent performance against Rapid Wien highlighted their potential, making them a formidable opponent for the Blues.
As Chelsea aims to make history by becoming the first club to win every major European trophy, their focus will be on improving their performance in the upcoming matches. The players are keen to capitalize on their European experience, and Maresca's emphasis on building the physical condition of players like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson will be crucial as they seek to regain their scoring touch.
In the lead-up to the semifinal matches, Chelsea will need to address their recent inconsistencies, particularly in converting chances. The team's supporters will be hoping for a turnaround in form as they approach the final stages of the tournament.
With the semifinals just around the corner, excitement is building among fans and players alike. Chelsea, Fiorentina, Real Betis, and Djurgarden will all be vying for a place in the final, and the path to glory is wide open. The upcoming matches will not only test the teams' skills but also their resolve and determination to succeed on the European stage.
As the UEFA Conference League continues to capture the imagination of football fans across Europe, the stage is set for a thrilling climax to the tournament. With the semifinals approaching, all eyes will be on these clubs as they battle for a chance to lift the trophy on May 28.
