Europa Conference League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 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

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea discover four potential opponents for Conference League knockouts but won’t know who they play for MONTHS

      by

      CHELSEA have discovered the four teams they could potentially meet in the Europa Conference League round of 16.The Blues concluded their comfortable league phase campaign with a 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers last night.Chelsea breezed through to the last 16Credit: AFPEnzo Maresca will have some big decisions to make for the group stageCredit: EPASix wins out of six saw Enzo Maresca’s men top the 36-team group with minimal fuss.As one of the top eight, Chelsea will skip the play-off round, contested between teams placed between nine and 24.Instead, they will move straight into the round of 16.And waiting for them there will be one of FC Copenhagen, Gent, Heidenheim or Real Betis.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the Conference League draw today, Gent were drawn against Real Betis, with Copenhagen facing Heidenheim. Last 16 ties are not due to commence until March, with first legs on the sixth and seconds on the 13th.The play-off round, meanwhile, will take place in February.Chelsea’s position in the bracket will not be confirmed until the draw on February 21, meaning they could still face the winners of either match.Most read in FootballThe Blues and second seeds Vitoria, or Portugal, could end up on either side of the bracket.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea are set to learn their position in the bracket on February 21It means Maresca’s men have a good chance of meeting a side they have already faced in the competition next up.They defeated Gent 4-2 at Stamford Bridge on matchday one back in October.Chelsea clash with Shamrock Rovers temporarily stopped as Christopher Nkunku pelted with TOILET ROLLWhile they triumphed 2-0 at Heidenheim just three weeks ago.It remains to be seen how seriously Maresca will take the competition.Their 25-man squad for the group stage left out star man Cole Palmer, as well as Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia.Maresca was asked by TNT Sports last night about whether Palmer could be added to the squad for the knockouts.’A BIT UNHAPPY’He said: “Depends on January. In January we don’t want to sell players, but players who are not playing a lot will be a bit unhappy.”It depends on what happens in January and then we decide.READ MORE SUN STORIES”This competition will be up until March and then we have the FA Cup.”The players have to be ready as they are going to play.”Chelsea ratings vs Shamrock as Marc Guiu gives keeper nightmares but Casadei fails to impressCHELSEA made it six Europa Conference League wins in a row with a 5-1 drubbing of Shamrock Rovers.Striker Marc Guiu got a hat-trick while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Cucurella also got in on the goals.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…FILIP JORGENSEN – 7Didn’t have much at all to do throughout. Commanded his box well, and couldn’t do much about the goal.JOSH ACHAEMPONG –  6All eyes were on the young defender who has just signed a new long-term deal at Stamford Bridge.He played as a more defensive-minded right-back in Maresca’s system, who looked good in that role.AXEL DISASI – 6A commanding performance from the French centre-half, he showed maturity in his game, was always an outlet for the Chelsea midfield.RENATO VEIGA – 6A very solid performance from Chelsea’s number 40. Unpolished, but physically strong and composed on the ball – this tournament should prove brilliant for him in a blue shirt.MARC CUCURELLA – 8Acted as a leader inverting into midfield for Chelsea, mostly playing as the left-sided number 10. Scored a classy right-footed goal into the bottom left corner to cap off a great performance.CESARE CASADEI – 4Turned his back on a volleyed effort which he then deflected into his own net with a flick. Andrey Santos on loan at Strasbourg will be an upgrade on him next season. KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL – 8His best game in a Chelsea shirt to date, a tenacious performance saw him battle to win the ball high up and press the Shamrock defense really well. Looked overjoyed to net his second Chelsea goal since joining from Leicester.NONI MADUEKE – 7His excellent first touch and dazzling feet were on full show, getting the Chelsea fans on their feet a few times.It looked like his good deliveries would get no reward until he provided a classy assist for Marc Guiu’s hat-trick goal.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU  – 7Was kicked around the pitch like a ragdoll by the visitors, but constantly drove the team forward and won foul upon foul in the first half for The Blues. Worked tirelessly and perhaps didn’t get the reward he deserved after being bought down before Dewsbury-Hall netted Chelsea’s third.Notched an assist as Marc Cucurella finished into the bottom left corner to add a fifth.TYRIQUE GEORGE – 7Looks a special player on the ball for the Blues, and it’s easy to see why fans are so excited about him for the future. A raw talent who is far from the finished product in terms of his final ball – his brilliant run created the defensive chaos that allowed Marc Guiu to finish with ease.Was unfortunate not to add a goal to his performance after he sent a Shamrock defender for a Guinness at the end of the game before seeing his shot well blocked.MARC GUIU – 10Scored his fourth, fifth and sixth Europa Conference League goals in six matches to make him the competition’s highest scorer as it stands.The Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper will be seeing Marc Guiu’s face when he closes his eyes for at least the next few weeks.Chelsea fans will be seeing shades of Olivier Giroud’s Europa League run in 2019.SUBS:HARVEY VALE (MADUEKE, HT) – 5Having looked far too good to be playing for Chelsea’s u21’s this season he was rewarded with a half in this game. Failed to have the impact that Noni did in the first half, but it was far from a bad performance by the youngster.HARRISON MURRAY-CAMBPELL (DISASI, 59) – 6Didn’t look out of place at the heart of the Chelsea defence when making his debut for The Blues, and looked equally as competent at right-back. One to watch for the future.JOAO FELIX (GUIU, 60) – 5Showed signs of promise after coming on from the bench, but was unable to find the back of the net.SAMUEL RAK-SAKYI (DEWSBURY-HALL, 83) – 5Another composed few minutes in midfield for The Blues. More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea player ratings: Marc Guiu gives Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper nightmares but Cesare Casadei fails to impress

      by

      CHELSEA made it six Europa Conference League wins in a row with a 5-1 drubbing against Shamrock Rovers. Striker Marc Guiu got a hat-trick while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Cucurella also got in on the goals. Chelsea strolled past Shamrock RoversCredit: ReutersMarkus Poom did get an unlikely leveller but it only sparked a fierce and one-sided fightback by Enzo Maresca’s men. And here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated Chelsea’s players from Stamford Bridge. FILIP JORGENSEN – 7Didn’t have much at all to do throughout. Commanded his box well, and couldn’t do much about the goal.READ MORE IN football JOSH ACHAEMPONG –  6All eyes were on the young defender who has just signed a new long-term deal at Stamford Bridge.He played as a more defensive-minded right-back in Maresca’s system, who looked good in that role.AXEL DISASI – 6A commanding performance from the French centre-half, he showed maturity in his game, was always an outlet for the Chelsea midfield.Marc Cucurella celebrates with Renato VeigaCredit: AlamyRENATO VEIGA – 6A very solid performance from Chelsea’s number 40. Most read in FootballUnpolished, but physically strong and composed on the ball – this tournament should prove brilliant for him in a blue shirt.MARC CUCURELLA – 8Acted as a leader inverting into midfield for Chelsea, mostly playing as the left-sided number 10. Scored a classy right-footed goal into the bottom left corner to cap off a great performance.Cesare Casadei failed to make his markCredit: GettyCESARE CASADEI – 4Turned his back on a volleyed effort which he then deflected into his own net with a flick. Andrey Santos on loan at Strasbourg will be an upgrade on him next season. KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL – 8His best game in a Chelsea shirt to date, a tenacious performance saw him battle to win the ball high up and press the Shamrock defense really well. Looked overjoyed to net his second Chelsea goal since joining from Leicester.NONI MADUEKE – 7His excellent first touch and dazzling feet were on full show, getting the Chelsea fans on their feet a few times.It looked like his good deliveries would get no reward until he provided a classy assist for Marc Guiu’s hat-trick goal.Noni Madueke and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall celebrate togetherCredit: RexCHRISTOPHER NKUNKU  – 7Was kicked around the pitch like a ragdoll by the visitors, but constantly drove the team forward and won foul upon foul in the first half for The Blues. Worked tirelessly and perhaps didn’t get the reward he deserved after being bought down before Dewsbury-Hall netted Chelsea’s third.Notched an assist as Marc Cucurella finished into the bottom left corner to add a fifth. TYRIQUE GEORGE – 7Looks a special player on the ball for the Blues, and it’s easy to see why fans are so excited about him for the future. A raw talent who is far from the finished product in terms of his final ball – his brilliant run created the defensive chaos that allowed Marc Guiu to finish with ease.Was unfortunate not to add a goal to his performance after he sent a Shamrock defender for a Guinness at the end of the game before seeing his shot well blocked.MARC GUIU – 10Scored his fourth, fifth and sixth Europa Conference League goals in six matches to make him the competition’s highest scorer as it stands.The Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper will be seeing Marc Guiu’s face when he closes his eyes for at least the next few weeks.Chelsea fans will be seeing shades of Olivier Giroud’s Europa League run in 2019. Marc Guiu was the man of the momentCredit: GettySUBS:HARVEY VALE (NONI MADUEKE, HT) – 5Having looked far too good to be playing for Chelsea’s u21’s this season he was rewarded with a half in this game. Failed to have the impact that Noni did in the first half, but it was far from a bad performance by the youngster.HARRISON MURRAY-CAMBPELL (AXEL DISASI, 59) – 6Didn’t look out of place at the heart of the Chelsea defence when making his debut for The Blues, and looked equally as competent at right-back. One to watch for the future.JOAO FELIX (MARC GUIU, 60) – 5Showed signs of promise after coming on from the bench, but was unable to find the back of the net.READ MORE SUN STORIESSAMUEL RAK-SAKYI (KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL, 83) – 5Another composed few minutes in midfield for The Blues.Chelsea clash with Shamrock Rovers temporarily stopped as Christopher Nkunku pelted with TOILET ROLL More