Chelsea Discover Potential Conference League Opponents, Possible Man Utd Reunion

Chelsea will face either Copenhagen or Real Betis in the Europa Conference League last 16 after topping the league phase with a flawless record—winning all six games and netting 26 goals.

Having secured automatic qualification, the Blues watched as other teams battled for a place in the knockout rounds. Now, they could come up against former Manchester United winger Antony, who has rediscovered his form on loan at Betis, scoring three times in five appearances and earning a nomination for La Liga's Player of the Month.

The draw takes place on Friday, revealing Chelsea’s potential path to the final at Wrocław Stadium in Warsaw on May 28. Betis currently sit eighth in La Liga, while Copenhagen lead the Danish league on goal difference. Chelsea will be heavy favorites against either side, with the Conference League representing their last shot at silverware this season.

Fiorentina, runners-up in the last two editions, are seen as Chelsea’s biggest competition for the trophy. The two clubs could meet in the semi-finals or even the final, depending on the draw. Chelsea’s place in the Conference League came after finishing seventh in the Premier League last season, missing out on the Europa League due to Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph.

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Maresca’s side has been dominant in the Europa Conference League, including an 8-0 demolition of Armenian club Noah at Stamford Bridge. Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole believes the Blues are almost too big for the competition.

"Chelsea shouldn’t be in this competition, but this is where they are," Cole said on TNT Sports. "For them, this tournament doesn’t really start until the quarter-finals or semi-finals. They are massive favorites to win it—and they should be."

Former England striker Peter Crouch echoed that sentiment earlier this year, saying: "Looking at some of the teams in this competition, I just don’t see how Chelsea can lose it."