Chelsea have stormed into the knockout phase of the UEFA Conference League, maintaining a perfect record after winning all six of their group-stage matches. Enzo Maresca’s side awaits their next challenge, with Gent, FC Copenhagen, Real Betis, or FC Heidenheim as potential opponents in the first knockout round.
The draw for the knockout play-offs, scheduled for February 13 and 20, 2025, took place on Friday. Chelsea, along with seven other group winners, bypass the play-offs and will discover their bracket position in a new draw on February 21, which will outline their path to the final.
The other group winners joining Chelsea in the knockout phase include Vitoria Guimaraes (Portugal), Fiorentina (Italy), Rapid Vienna (Austria), Djurgarden (Sweden), Lugano (Switzerland), Legia Warsaw (Poland), and Cercle Brugge (Belgium).
Chelsea’s dominant campaign was capped off with a commanding 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Guiu dazzled with a first-half hat-trick, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Cucurella added to the scoreline.
Reflecting on the performance, Maresca expressed his satisfaction:
“I’m very excited, first of all with the performance and the result.
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The players showed their professionalism once again. In these types of games, it’s easy to let standards drop, but they remained focused and serious.”
Maresca also praised young debutant Harrison Murray-Campbell:
“It was a good chance for some of the young players.
Harrison did quite well—good on the ball, solid in defense. He deserved the minutes and made the most of them.”
Despite the team’s strong start, Maresca urged caution:
“Now that we’re in the next round, we have to focus on one game at a time. Thinking about the final with six matches to go isn’t the right approach. Step by step, we’ll get there.”
Conference League Knockout Play-Off Draw Highlights:
- Gent vs Real Betis
- Copenhagen vs Heidenheim
- Molde vs Shamrock Rovers
- Omonoia vs Pafos
Chelsea, who topped their group with flair, are now among the favorites to win the competition, but Maresca is ensuring his players remain grounded and focused as the road to the final unfolds.
