Apr, 18 2025
Fresh Knockout Paths in 2024/25 UEFA Conference League
There’s something different about the UEFA Conference League this season. All eyes turned to Nyon, Switzerland, on February 21 as UEFA revealed the draws for the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals for the competition’s 2024/25 knockout phase. This year's bracket carries a little more intrigue thanks to a tweaked format and no teams dropping in from the Europa League, which usually acts as a wild card.
For fans hoping for unpredictability, you won’t have to wait long. After a stacked league phase featuring 36 teams, the remaining 16 now face a do-or-die knockout sprint. The eight teams who topped their groups—like Chelsea—earned a seeded status and stronger odds of a favorable draw. However, with football’s tendency for mayhem, even heavy favorites can't take anything for granted.
Chelsea vs Copenhagen: The Heavyweight Clash
Among the Round of 16 fixtures, Chelsea’s name sticks out. The London club coasted through the league phase, winning every match—a clear warning to rivals. Now, they’ll meet Copenhagen, who survived the playoff gauntlet to get here. Danish sides have a habit of frustrating English teams, but Chelsea’s depth and recent form make them the team to beat.
The other fixtures aren’t short on talking points. Real Betis, who topped their group comfortably, will line up against Portugal’s Vitória SC. On paper, the Spaniards look stronger, but knockout football often tosses predictions out the window. Meanwhile, Fiorentina—last year’s finalists—are up against Panathinaikos, who’ve spent the last season quietly building a disciplined unit.
- Round of 16: March 6 & 13
- Quarter-finals: April 10 & 17
- Semi-finals: May 1 & 8
- Final: May 28 in Wrocław, Poland
The rest of the draw sets up a potential battle between Real Betis or Jagiellonia and Celje or Lugano, while Chelsea—if they dispatch Copenhagen—could meet Molde, Pafos, or Borac depending on results. No easy paths here; each bracket section hosts teams with European experience and hungry squads aiming to upset.
The quarter-final and semi-final paths were also mapped out in the same draw: Chelsea or Molde vs Pafos or Borac sits on one side, while Fiorentina, Panathinaikos, and a few dark horses like Maccabi Haifa and Bodo/Glimt could clash on the other.
Fans hoping for Cinderella stories will have their favorites, but it’s the legacy clubs like Chelsea and Real Betis drawing the attention. The road to the final at Wrocław Stadium on May 28 is a long one, but as past years have shown, anything can happen under the floodlights of European nights.
This season’s expanded league phase and new bracket design have already shaken up the action. With the stage now set, supporters across Europe are counting down the days to kick-off, waiting to see who can turn their knockout journey into a spring to remember.
