Chelsea, England’s second most profitable membership in European soccer with eight trophies, are again in continental competitors after a one-year hiatus.
To achieve the Convention League correct, although, Chelsea should beat Servette of Switzerland over the following two Thursdays, beginning at Stamford Bridge tonight (8pm UK time).
It is solely the third time the Blues have confronted a showdown of this sort beneath UEFA guidelines. Each earlier situations had been within the Champions League – and navigated with out fuss.
Guests Servette, who misplaced a Europa League play-off with Braga 2-1 on mixture final Thursday, may earn the sad distinction of exiting two UEFA competitions in as many weeks.
Of their greatest ever European marketing campaign, the Genevese bowed out on the quarter-final stage of the 1978/79 Cup Winners’ Cup. They final confronted English opponents 50 years in the past, shedding 6-2 on mixture to Derby County.
The Swiss Tremendous League is already nicely underway and the Maroons lie in mid-table beneath former Estonia coach Thomas Haberli.
Chelsea – who yesterday welcomed again versatile attacker Joao Felix – have received ten and drawn three of our previous 15 matches on the Bridge in Europe, shedding the opposite two to Actual Madrid.
The draw for the six-match, 36-team league section of this competitors will happen after the second leg on Friday 30 August.
The Convention League last is scheduled for 28 Might 2025 on the 40,000-capacity Stadion Wrocław in Poland, the winners incomes a spot within the following season’s Europa League.
Crew information
After Sunday’s dwelling league defeat by Manchester Metropolis, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca takes cost in Europe for the primary time tonight.
Maresca was a key member of the teaching employees that steered Metropolis to Champions League success in 2022/23 however now holds the reins himself.
Our new signings and late-returning internationals shall be that bit nearer to full match-readiness, although the Blues shall be with out a few defenders.
Reece James remains to be unavailable, whereas Maresca has stated he’ll relaxation Wesley Fofana.
The PFA’s freshly-crowned Younger Participant of the 12 months Cole Palmer wants minutes after returning to pre-season later than many of the squad and should retain his place tonight.
It’s too quickly for Joao Felix to be concerned however Pedro Neto is prepared for motion, and Renato Veiga may begin in opposition to a aspect he confronted final season because the Blues goal a wholesome benefit for subsequent week’s decider in Geneva.
Chelsea-Servette – the historical past
Servette have by no means beforehand performed at Stamford Bridge.
The one conferences between Chelsea and the Maroons got here within the decade following the Second World Battle, each in Geneva.
The primary got here on 30 Might 1946 as a part of a post-season tour of Switzerland. Chelsea ran out 2-0 winners due to England ahead Len Goulden and an personal aim.
The second happened in January 1954, Ted Drake’s aspect enjoying back-to-back matches in Switzerland over an FA Cup weekend – having already bowed out of the home trophy hunt. Our Maroon hosts received that assembly by a single aim.
Competitively, the Blues have confronted Swiss opponents in six European contests, in opposition to Basel (two wins, two defeats) and St Gallen (one win, one defeat).
Know this…
Chelsea (ranked ninth total) have a UEFA coefficient of 79.00 going into the 2024/25 season, far larger than any membership left on this competitors.
The following highest-ranked Convention League golf equipment are Fiorentina (42.00) – the place Maresca was a midfielder – and Actual Betis (33.00).
Servette stand 139th (130 locations beneath Chelsea) in UEFA’s rankings and have a coefficient of 9.00.
Chelsea have confronted play-off ties twice beforehand, each wins within the Champions League: 1999/00, a 3-0 mixture win in opposition to Skonto Riga, and 2003/04, a 5-0 mixture defeat of MSK Zilina.
In 2013, the Blues turned the primary Premier League membership to win all three main UEFA trophies accessible at the moment. We’re the one membership in Europe to have received all 4 UEFA trophies – in the event you embody the UEFA Tremendous Cup – twice.
The present West Stand at Stamford Bridge opened for the primary time (decrease tier solely) for the 1-1 draw with Newcastle on at the present time in 1998.
Chelsea’s main worldwide honours
Champions League 2012, 2021
Europa League 2013, 2019
Cup Winners’ Cup 1971, 1998
Tremendous Cup 1998, 2021
Membership World Cup 2022
Convention calls
All Convention League matches could have the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, starting at this stage.
Ought to we attain the league section, matches in opposition to six completely different opponents will happen between October and mid-December, guaranteeing a number of Thursday/Sunday (or probably Monday) video games.
Every membership will play six completely different opponents – three at dwelling, three away – and the eight highest-placed groups progress to the knockout stage.
Successful the Convention League would imply the Blues – already the one London outfit amongst UEFA’s elite golf equipment – have received extra of Europe’s particular person competitions than any English rival.
Chelsea’s all-time European report up to now
31 seasons in European competitors
297 matches
160 wins
76 attracts
61 defeats
527 targets for
272 targets in opposition to
+255 aim distinction
15 semi-finals
12 finals
8 trophies
You may watch right now’s sport stay on the Chelsea web site and Chelsea app by clicking above!
For supporters attending the Bridge, a brand new Chelsea FC Matchday Data WhatsApp channel has been launched to reinforce your match-going expertise. Click on right here for extra info and to enroll.