Europa Conference League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Do Champions League teams drop into the Europa League if they don’t qualify for the last 16?

      by

      THE final night of the Champions League is HERE – and it’s win or go home for many teams.Manchester City are one such side after a horror Champions League campaign culminated in a 4-2 capitulation against Paris Saint-Germain last week.Man City must win to avoid Champions League eliminationCredit: PARafa Benitez led Chelsea to Europa League success in Amsterdam in 2013Credit: Getty ImagesYet while City needed a win to have any chance of qualification – they are now staring down the barrel of elimination.Pep Guardiola’s side have to beat Club Brugge and then hope other results go their way.Do Champions League teams drop into the Europa League if they don’t qualify?In previous years, teams that struggled during the Champions League group stage always had the safety blanket of dropping down into the Europa League.Chelsea famously became the first team to win the Champions League and Europa League in consecutive seasons in 2012 and 2013.The Blues won in Munich under Roberto Di Matteo but six months later were dumped out of the group stage – costing Di Matteo his job – and moved into the secondary competition.Rafa Benitez took charge and lead the team to Europa League glory in Amsterdam.But teams won’t be able to go down that route anymore.The expanded Champions League – which has seen an increase in teams and a dramatic change in the format – means teams will no longer drop into the Europa League.The new 36-team format sees the top eight in the league phase qualify automatically for the last 16.Teams that finish 9 to 24 are then entered into a draw to play a two-legged tie to make it into the last 16.The teams that finish 25th to 36th are then ELIMINATED from ALL European competition. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Enzo Maresca braced for wave of unsettled Chelsea stars seeking January transfer escape including ex-England ace

      by

      ENZO MARESCA is braced for a wave of unsettled Chelsea stars knocking on his door next month.Finishing top of the Conference League table means European football can be parked until March.Enzo Maresca knows some Chelsea players may ask for a January transferCredit: GettyBen Chilwell could be on the move after being frozen out by the new bossCredit: PABut it brings with it a dilemma over what to do with his second-string squad struggling for game time.There are also deep-frozen players like Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka for whom the January transfer window offers a chance of escape.Boss Maresca said: “There are players that unfortunately they didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney.“Probably they are the first that want to leave, because they work every day, they train every day, they want to play games and if they don’t play games they are thinking of leaving.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“For each player it’s a different situation.“So we’re going to see if some of them are coming to knock on the door and say I want to leave.“I’m not worried about the next three months. The only thing I can say is that we have many games.“If they do the right things, if they work properly, for sure they’re all going to have a chance to play games. We will try to find a solution.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Next week we have three games. Then in January the FA Cup will start.“Game by game we’re going to try to pick the best 11. The ones that we think are the right ones for that game. And then we’ll see.”Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test and gives update on his Chelsea futureMaresca has trimmed a squad which totalled 43 at one stage. But while the numbers are down he still has players like £56million Christopher Nkunku — who was pelted with toilet roll by Shamrock fans in Thursday’s European clash — confined to Conference League starts with Premier League appearances limited.To a lesser extent, it is the same with £38.4m forward Joao Felix.They are expensive and ambitious players to have kicking their heels for three months.Chelsea have won eight games in a row — their best run for eight years.They can go top if they win at Everton tomorrow, even if it is just for a few hours until leaders Liverpool face Tottenham.Whatever happens, they are guaranteed to be in the top two at Christmas for the first time since 2016 — when they went on to become champions.They have won the title on all five occasions they have been No 1 at Christmas — and never done it the four times they were second on December 25.Maresca has Felix fit again but is still without midfielder Romeo Lavia and defender Wesley Fofana with injuries.Crocked skipper Reece James was due to join training for the first time since his latest hamstring setback.Maresca added: “We try to focus on the game, not on the consequence that we can be leaders for a few hours.“The target is always the same; prepare the game to win the game. And then we’ll see.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I think Everton’s stadium is not only tough for Chelsea. I’ve been there many times, it’s tough for any club. But we’re going to see.“If we win, Liverpool have that pressure. It’s more a question for them.”Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix have largely been limited to starts in the cupsCredit: GettyChelsea will not play in the Conference League again until MarchCredit: Getty More