More stories

  • in

    Chelsea learn Conference League fate… and could face reborn Man Utd flop Antony in final

    CHELSEA have learned their route to the Conference League final after drawing Copenhagen in the last 16.The Blues sealed their spot in the knockout stage of the competition after an incredible group stage run.Chelsea have discovered their route to the Conference League finalCredit: ReutersChelsea finished top of the pile with six wins from as many games.But they have now been handed a tricky last 16 tie against Copenhagen, who are among the highest-ranked sides left in the Conference League.The first leg will take place on March 6, with the second occurring a week later on March 13.Should the Blues get past the Danes, they will then face either Molde or Legia Warsaw in the quarters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe first leg of that tie takes place on April 10, with the second on April 17.There are then four potential sides awaiting in the semis, with Pafos, Djurgarden, Borac and Rapid Vienna all hoping for the chance to cause an upset.The dates for the semis are May 1 and May 8,While in the final, which takes place on May 28 in Wroclaw, Chelsea could take on Real Betis.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Spaniards are enjoying a resurgence after signing flop winger Antony on loan from Manchester United.He already has several goals to his name and will be keen to impress against an English side.Humble Nicolas Jackson snubs mega-money supercars as he leaves Chelsea training in £30,000 Fiat 500 Europa Conference League draw in fullLast 16 (March 6 & 13)Jagiellonia vs Cercle BruggeMolde vs Legia WarsawCelje vs LuganoPafos vs DjurgadenPanathinaikos vs FiorentinaBorac vs Rapid ViennaReal Betis vs VitoriaCopenhagen vs CHELSEAQuarter-finals (April 10 & 17)QF 1: Real Betis or Vitoria vs Jagiellonia or Cercle BruggeQF 2: Celje or Lugano vs Panathinaikos or FiorentinaQF 3: Copenhagen or CHELSEA vs Molde or Legia WarsawQF 4: Pafos or Djurgaden vs Borac or Rapid ViennaSemi finals (May 1 & 8)SF1: QF 1 winner vs QF 2 winnerSF 2: QF 3 winner vs Q 4 winnerFinal (May 28)SF1 winner vs SF2 winnerOther teams on Betis’ side of the draw include Panathinaikos and Cercle Brugge.Chelsea have also avoided Italians Fiorentina, who lost the last two Conference League finals to West Ham and Olympiacos.Chelsea will now be gearing themselves up to go and win the competition.Victory in the Conference League would see the Blues become the first side in history to lift all three major European trophies.Their squad has been strengthened by the registration of Cole Palmer, who was left out of the group stage.Trevoh Chalobah and Mathis Amougou were also added to the side.But Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia will play no part after being left out due to their injury woes.Chelsea’s record in Conference League 24/25QualifierChelsea 2 Servette 0Servette 2 Chelsea 1Chelsea’s group stage resultsChelsea 4 Gent 2Panathinaikos 1 Chelsea 4Chelsea 8 Noah 0Heidenheim 0 Chelsea 2Astana 1 Chelsea 3Chelsea 5 Shamrock Rovers 1P6 W6 D0 L0 GF 26 GA 5 GD21 Pts18Top scorers (inc. qualifier)Christopher Nkunku: 7Marcu Guiu: 6Joao Felix: 4Mykhailo Mudryk: 3Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: 2Renato Veiga: 2Pedro Neto: 1Noni Madueke: 1Marc Cucurella: 1Tosin Adarabioyo: 1Axel Disasi: 1 More

  • in

    Fixtures added to Dream Team as European round of 16 ties confirmed for Premier League clubs

    THE six Premier League clubs still active in Europe now know their round of 16 opponents.Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa will participate in the Champions League knockout stage in March while Tottenham and Manchester United are set to resume their Europa League campaigns – Chelsea remain favourites to win the Conference League.Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa will resume their Champions League campaigns in MarchCredit: ReutersThe European competitions always have a significant bearing on Dream Team and managers should target these fixtures in the near future.CHAMPIONS LEAGUEPSG v LiverpoolPSV Eindhoven v ArsenalClun Brugge v Aston VillaArne Slot’s reward for topping the league phase is meeting with the best team in France – Ousmane Dembele and company beat Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-offs.The Gunners will face the current Dutch champions, who edged out Juventus in the play-offs.PSV have won just one of their six league games since the turn of the year.Unai Emery will be quietly confident after the Villains were drawn against the team that finished 24th in the league phase, although Club Brugge did bear Villa 1-0 in Belgium back in November.Liverpool and Aston Villa will meet in the quarter-finals if both sides progress beyond the last 16.Most read in FootballIf Arsenal get past PSV, they will play the winners of Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid.SEE THE FULL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 DRAW HERE.Liverpool are due to face PSGCredit: ReutersEUROPA LEAGUEAZ Alkmaar v TottenhamReal Sociedad v Manchester UnitedLike their North London rivals, Spurs have been drawn against Dutch opposition.AZ lost to Ange Postecoglou’s side in North London in late October and ultimately finished 19th in the league phase.The Red Devils’ goal-shy opponents are currently 11th in La Liga having lost four of their last five league games.At the risk of getting far too ahead of the game, Spurs and Man United wouldn’t meet until the final…SEE THE FULL EUROPA LEAGUE AND CONFERENCE LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 DRAWS HERE.CONFERENCE LEAGUEChelsea v CopenhagenChelsea are favourites to win the Conference LeagueCredit: PAAll the last 16 first legs will take place in Gameweek 26 with the second legs to follow in Gameweek 27.Consequently, Aston Villa and Man United will be the only teams to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 26; the Villains will also host Cardiff in the FA Cup fifth round while the Red Devils will welcome Fulham to Old Trafford in the same competition.All six clubs will then double up in Gameweek 27 as the second legs of the European ties will follow a full round of league fixtures.GAMEWEEK 27 DOUBLE HEADERSLIVERPOOL vs Southampton & PSGARSENAL vs Manchester United & PSVASTON VILLA vs Brentford & Club BruggeTOTTENHAM vs Bournemouth & AZ AlkmaarMANCHESTER UNITED vs Arsenal & Real SociedadCHELSEA vs Leicester & CopenhagenREAD MORE SUN STORIESPalmer is now available for selection in EuropeCredit: PAIt’s worth noting that Cole Palmer has been added to the Blues’ Conference League squad for the knockout phase.The England international wasn’t included in Enzo Maresca’s squad for the league phase of the competition with the Italian tactician citing “load management” but it seems Dream Team’s leading midfielder will have a part to play on Thursday nights going forward.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

  • in

    When is the Europa Conference League draw? EXACT start time, TV channel, Stream FREE as Chelsea learn opponents TODAY

    CHELSEA will learn their Europa Conference League opponents TODAY!The Champions League draw and Europa League draws also take place, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United among the British teams learning their fates.Chelsea learn their Conference League opponents and what side of the draw they are on TODAYCredit: PAIn the Champions League, Arsenal were handed a decent draw against PSV – but it means they will face the winner of Real Madrid vs Atletico in the quarter-finals.United and Tottenham are learning their opponents now.Chelsea are the heavy favourites to win the Conference League and made very light work of the group phase.Enzo Maresca’s team won all six of their matches – scoring 26 and conceding just five in the process.That was despite the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson not playing any minutes in the tournament.When is the Europa Conference League draw?The draw takes place on Friday, February 21.It will start at 1pm UK (1pm CET).It will take place after the Europa League draw in Nyon, Switzerland.What TV channel is the Europa Conference League draw?UK viewers will be able to watch the draw on TNT Sports 1.Most read in FootballHow can I watch the Europa Conference League draw for FREE?Who can Chelsea face in the Europa Conference League draw?The draw is already partially complete, with Chelsea knowing they can only face one of two teams.What is also to be decided is which side of the draw the Blues will end up on.The two potential opponents are either Real Betis of Copenhagen. More

  • in

    Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea learn who they could face as Europa League and Conference League last-16s are confirmed

    MANCHESTER UNITED, Tottenham and Chelsea are all closer to knowing who they will face in the next round of their respective European competitions.The Premier League trio all booked their spots in the last 16 of either the Europa League or the Conference League thanks to their efforts in the new fangled league phase.Manchester United know who they could face in the last 16 of the Europa LeagueCredit: AFPTottenham have also learned their fate in the competitionCredit: AlamyChelsea now know the two sides that could take on in the Conference League last 16Credit: GettyMan Utd and Spurs both finished in the top eight of the Europa League league phase and, as a result, bypassed the need to participate in a play-off round to reach the last 16 proper.Instead they have been awaiting their opponents in the next round, with one of the winners from the play-offs set to face off against each side.Thanks to United and Spurs finishing alongside each other – third and fourth respectively – they will be seeded on opposite sides of Friday’s draw.That means they have known for some time now that they would each take on one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar or Midtjylland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd following the conclusion the play-off round, those four potential opponents have been narrowed down to just two – AZ Alkmaar and Real Sociedad.Dutch side AZ Alkmaar thrashed Galatasaray 6-3 on aggregate to book their spot in the last 16, while Real Sociedad were pushed hard over two legs against Midtjyland but ultimately ran away with it 7-3.That means that Spurs and United will each be drawn against one of Sociedad and Alkmaar.For example, if Spurs draw Sociedad then United will take on AZ Alkmaar. The Prem rivals CANNOT play each other.Most read in FootballAZ Alkmaar dominated Galatasaray over two legsCredit: GettyReal Sociedad celebrates got the better of FC Midtjylland tooCredit: GettyEuropa League tiesA look at the potential Europa League ties ahead of the draw…AZ Alkmaar vs Man Utd/TottenhamReal Socieded vs Man Utd/TottenhamViktoria Plzen vs Lazio/Athletic BilbaoAS Roma vs Lazio/Athletic BilbaoBodo Glimt vs Olympiacos/RangersFenerbahce vs Olympiacos/RangersAjax vs Eintracht Frankfurt/LyonFCSB vs Eintracht Frankfurt/LyonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd as a result of finishing third and fourth, Man Utd and Spurs will not meet in this year’s competition unless both teams reach the final.Tottenham have already gotten the better of AZ Alkmaar once this season, beating them 1-0 during the league phase of the competition.Champions League and Euros winner Alvaro Morata gets humbled as fans of his new club don’t seem to have a clue who he isA second half penalty from Richarlison proved to be the difference between the two sides back in October as Alkmaar had a man sent off in the late stages.Rangers, meanwhile, will face either Bodo/Glimt or Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.Whichever team is not drawn against Rangers will take on Olympiacos.The draw to find out who faces who will take place in Switzerland on Friday.That’s where Chelsea will also learn their fate too, as they await their last 16 opponents after topping the Conference League table with a flawless league phase campaign.FC Copenhagen’s 4-3 aggregate win over Heidenheim and Real Betis’ two-legged victory over Gent, means it’ll be one of Betis or Copenhagen who face the tough task of taking on the Londoners in the next round.Whoever isn’t drawn to face Chelsea will take on Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes.READ MORE SUN STORIESA tie with Betis would mean Chelsea would have to deal with in-form Antony, who sealed a loan to the La Liga club in January and has been scoring for fun since.As the seeded teams, Chelsea, Man Utd and Spurs will contest the away leg of their round of 16 tie on March 6, with the reverse fixtures in England scheduled for March 13.Conference League tiesA look at the potential Conference League ties ahead of the draw…Real Betis vs Chelsea/Victoria S.CFC Copenhagen vs Jagiellonia Bialystok vs Leiga/Cercle BruggeMolde vs Leiga/Cercle BruggeCelje vs Djurgarden/LuganoPafos vs Djurgarden/LuganoPanathinaikos vs Fiorentina/Rapid WienBorac Banja Luka vs Fiorentina/Rapid WienChelsea could face Antony’s Real BetisCredit: GettyDanish side FC. Copenhagen are their other potential opponentsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Conference League clash SUSPENDED mid-game after fan chaos as rivals throw flares at each other

    RIVAL fans hurled flares and fought in the stands – forcing a Uefa Conference League game to be SUSPENDED near the end.The shocking scenes erupted as Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana battled Bosnian visitors Borac Banja Luka.Trouble exploded late in a tense finale to the play-offMatch officials had no choice but to halt playLithuanian ref Manfredas Lukjancukas halted the play-off at the Stadion Stozice as smoke billowed out from behind a goal.Fans threw missiles and it even appeared that pieces of railing were detached from the stands as the skirmishes continued.The lengthy delay was one reason for 19 MINUTES of stoppage time.Both clubs are now certain to face a Uefa probe.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBorac went through to the last 16 as a 0-0 draw meant they triumphed 1-0 on aggregate.It came on the same night Fenerbahce’s Europa League clash with Anderlecht was suspended for FIFTEEN minutes after fighting in the stands.Footage on social media reportedly showed a small segment of Olimpija fans attacking their counterparts.Some Borac supporters responded by throwing flares at the advancing yobs.Most read in FootballThe away supporters could be seen charging at the home fans after flares were thrown in their directionBut they ended up being lobbed back at them as the louts continued to run riot.The stadium announcer repeatedly pleaded for order, which was only restored after more than five minutes.Earthquake strikes Lisbon during Champions League press conference and leaves whole room shakingSlovenian midfielder Sandi Ogrinec had hit the only goal of the tie for Borac against his home-country club in time added on during the first leg.And in Thursday’s return, Olimpija’s Alex Blanco saw Djordje Despotovic save his seventh-minute penalty – a costly failure as it turned out. More

  • in

    Chelsea learn which two teams they could face as Conference League last-16 is confirmed

    CHELSEA are a step closer to learning their Europa Conference League fate for the last 16.The Blues, who topped the league phase with a flawless showing, now know which two teams they could play in the next round.Chelsea have learnt who they will face in the Conference League last 16Credit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s side bypassed the need for a play-off round and booked a spot straight into the last 16 proper thanks to their league phase efforts.And now the Stamford Bridge outfit will take on one of the winners from the play-off round in the last 16 in March.Chelsea had known they would face one of Gent, Real Betis, Copenhagen or Heidenheim next, but now know that it is between just two of those sides after the conclusion of the play-off round.FC Copenhagen’s 4-3 aggregate win over Heidenheim and Real Betis’ two-legged victory over Gent, means it’ll be one of Betis or Copenhagen who face the tough task of taking on the Londoners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA draw will take place on Friday to determine which of Betis and Copenhagen will have to travel to SW6 next month.Whoever isn’t drawn to face Chelsea will take on Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes.Chelsea haven’t played against Real Betis since a 1-0 defeat in the Champions League all the way back in 2005.While their last clash against Copenhagen saw them play out a 0-0 draw in the 2010/11 Champions League round of 16.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA tie with Betis would mean Chelsea would have to deal with in-form Antony, who sealed a loan to the La Liga club in January and has been scoring for fun since.As a seeded team, Chelsea will contest the away leg of their round of 16 tie on March 6, with the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge scheduled for March 13.Chelsea could face Antony’s Real BetisCredit: GettyDanish side FC. Copenhagen are their other potential opponentsCredit: Getty’Pressure shouldn’t be on the coach’ – Gary Neville slams Chelsea board for ‘unforgivable’ mistake More

  • in

    Inside 30,000 capacity European stadium visited by Chelsea where you can enjoy game in a hot tub eating fondue

    WHEN football fans think of the best grounds in the world, the likes of Wembley, Nou Camp, Anfield and Allianz Arena quickly spring to mind.There are also the connoisseurs who will talk to you about the brilliant atmosphere across South American and Balkan stadiums.Fans can watch the footie in a hot tub at Stade de GeneveCredit: Instagram / @servettefootballclubFans can also enjoy some fondue whilst lounging in the hot tubCredit: Instagram / @servettefootballclubStade de Geneve boasts a 30,000 plus capacityCredit: AFPStade de Geneve hosts home matches for ServetteCredit: GettyBut there is one hidden gem you probably never heard of that promises an experience of a lifetime.And that is none other than Stade de Geneve in Switzerland.The 30,000 plus capacity ground hosts Swiss club Servette’s home games.The stadium also held three group-stage matches during Euro 2008.Read More on FootballBut what makes it stand out is that the luckiest fans can watch all the live action from a HOT TUB.And those most fortunate lounging in a jacuzzi can also enjoy some delicious FONDUE.The most recent fans to take a dip were the lucky winners of a competition on the club’s app.Incredibly, fans could see something similar in the Premier League next season with Fulham’s new Riverside Stand to include a rooftop pool when fully operational. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, unlike Servette’s hot tub, it’s understood it won’t have a view of the Craven Cottage pitch.Chelsea visited the unique ground very recently during the Conference League qualifiers.’Silence is deafening’ – Man Utd fans ready to protest at Arsenal clash and vow to ‘rise again to defend our club’The Blues faced Servette in the play-offs at Stade de Geneve in the second leg after winning 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in August.The West Londoners didn’t have the best experience in Switzerland as they lost 2-1.Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring from the penalty spot but Jeremy Guillemenot equalised before Enzo Crivelli turned the game on its head.However, Chelsea sealed their ticket to the league phase thanks to a 3-2 win on aggregate.Chelsea visited the ground only last summerCredit: AFPThe ground has also hosted Euro 2008 fixturesCredit: GettyStade de Geneve is one of the prettiest grounds in SwitzerlandCredit: GettyChelsea lost to Servette at Stade de GeneveCredit: Getty More

  • in

    ‘Man Utd the problem’ say fans as £85.5m flop Antony scores stunning goal for Real Betis in Conference League clash

    ANTONY continued his fine Real Betis form by scoring against Gent in the Europa Conference League.The Manchester United flop, 24, joined the Spanish side on loan in January having struggled for game time at Old Trafford.Antony launched a shot from the edge of the boxThe Brazilian celebrates his second goal in two gamesCredit: RexThe Brazilian found the net in just his second Betis appearance against Celta Vigo last weekend, having laid on an assist on his debut.He continued his resurgence by scoring a fine effort to give his loan side the lead in Belgium this evening.Barely a minute into the second half, the winger received the ball on the right flank.He subsequently drove inside, before unleashing a shot into the bottom corner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans online were quick to have their say on Antony’s goal.One posted: “United was the problem.”While a second blasted: “Now it is clear that United destroys every player.”A third wrote: “Crazy what confidence can do to a player.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAntony reveals a message on his undershirtCredit: EPAAnd another added: “Prime Antony is back.”Real Betis CEO Ramon Alcaron has already admitted that his side are interested in making Antony’s loan deal permanent.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers everThe former Ajax star remains under contract at United until June 2027.Asked about whether he wants to keep Antony long-term, Alcaron said: “Yes, I think so. The other day the CEO of United called me.“We sent them details of the player throughout the week so they can see we’re looking after their asset.“We have very good chemistry with United and the player, who is happy here.”It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?”Antony joined Man Utd in an £86million deal in the summer of 2022; subsequently scoring 12 goals and laying on five assists in 96 appearances.Antony struggled to perform at Man UtdCredit: Getty More