• Chelsea is set to compete against either SC Braga or Servette for a spot in the Conference League.
  • The first leg will take place at Stamford Bridge on August 22, with the second leg scheduled for a week later.
  • The Blues will kick off their Premier League season against Manchester City just four days before.




















Chelsea may encounter a challenging Conference League play-off against SC Braga, should the Portuguese team falter against Servette.

Enzo Maresca’s squad enters Europe’s third-tier competition this season after finishing sixth in the Premier League, while Manchester United claimed the FA Cup despite finishing eighth.

The Blues have faced a tumultuous pre-season under their new manager, and a matchup with Braga, which concluded fourth in Portugal behind its top three teams, could be taxing. Chelsea will meet the loser of the Braga and Servette encounter, with the first leg occurring just four days post their league opener.

Daniel Sousa’s team is expected to surpass the Swiss side in the third qualifying round to evade the English football giants.

The dates for the play-off round are set for August 22 and 29, kicking off with the first leg at Stamford Bridge before the return leg a week later.

Enzo Maresca's first experience of European football as Chelsea manager at Stamford Bridge on August 22

Enzo Maresca’s first experience of European football as Chelsea manager at Stamford Bridge on August 22

The Blues will compete in European football's lower-tier competition for the first time

The Blues will compete in European football’s lower-tier competition for the first time

Chelsea launches its Premier League season against Manchester City on August 18, followed by a match against Wolves on August 25.

This week, defender Malo Gusto affirmed the team’s commitment to taking the competition seriously, aiming to break their three-year trophy drought.

‘It is better than nothing, but we have to take it step by step,’ he stated. ‘We are a young team, and the Conference League can be a great opportunity to understand the European cup experience. We possess a strong group with plenty of players and increased matches this season. It will be exciting to build something and elevate Chelsea to its rightful place.

‘Winning something this season is crucial. That is the goal. Whether in the Conference League, the Premier League, or any cups, securing trophies is vital for growth. It holds great significance for the team.’

Gusto is also thrilled that Maresca’s tactical vision for fullbacks is reminiscent of his previous position as a midfielder.

During Chelsea’s pre-season tour, Gusto has been inverting his play from both the right and the left. Some fans are curious about how the 21-year-old will fit alongside Reece James in Maresca’s formation.

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