Chelsea’s Conference League campaign has been such a breeze, they haven’t even needed Cole Palmer.
Enzo Maresca’s group of fringe players cruised to six wins out of six in the league phase, earning them direct qualification to the last 16. Chelsea had secured top spot even before Thursday’s Marc Guiu-inspired 5-1 thrashing of Ireland’s Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge, finishing four points ahead of Portuguese side Vitoria.
But that’s as simple as it gets, as now it’s time for the knockout phase play-off round draw. Although not directly involved, Chelsea will learn which teams they can face in the round-of-16.
The draw this afternoon will also determine which side of the knockouts each team will be placed on. From there, a route to the final in the Polish city of Wroclaw next May can be mapped out.
Scroll down as Mirror Football brings you live updates from UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
