Chelsea learn opponents for UEFA Conference League play-off

Chelsea will face either Braga or Servette in the UEFA Conference League play-off round.

The Blues endured a torrid season last year under former boss Mauricio Pochettino and looked destined to end up lost in mid-table obscurity, but a late charge saw them climb all the way up to sixth and seal a spot in the play-off round for the Conference League.

Now under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea must go through either Braga or Servette if they are to reach the full Conference League competition.

The draw is perhaps as tough as it could have been for Chelsea. The match between Braga and Servette is a qualifier for the Europa League, and while the winner will earn a spot in Europe's secondary competition, the loser will drop into the Conference League play-off to face Chelsea.

Braga finished fourth in the Portuguese top flight last season, while Swiss side Servette finished third in their domestic league.

When is Chelsea's Conference League play-off?

Chelsea are the home side for the tie and will host the loser of Braga vs Servette at Stamford Bridge on 22 August. The away leg will be held seven days later on 29 August.

Should Chelsea emerge victorious, they will earn a place in the draw for the group stage, which is due to be held on 30 August.

2024/25 Conference League key dates

• Matchday 1: 3 October 2024
• Matchday 2: 24 October 2024
• Matchday 3: 7 November 2024
• Matchday 4: 28 November 2024
• Matchday 5: 12 December 2024
• Matchday 6: 19 December 2024

• Knockout round play-offs: 13 & 20 February 2025
• Round of 16: 6 & 13 March 2025
• Quarter-finals: 10 & 17 April 2025
• Semi-finals: 1 & 8 May 2025
• Final: 28 May 2025

Where is the 2024/25 Conference League final?

This season's final will be played at Stadion Wroclaw in Poland.

The 40,000-seater stadium is the home of Slask Wroclaw and, having been built for Euro 2012, occasionally hosts the Poland national team as well.

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