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.
Mark Pelletier
April 18, 2025 AT 18:45The UEFA Conference League draw has finally been revealed. Chelsea earned a seeded spot after a flawless group run. They will face Copenhagen in the round of sixteen. Copenhagen survived a grueling playoff to reach this stage. The Danish side have historically given English clubs a tough time. This matchup will test Chelsea’s depth. The other seeded clubs include Real Betis and Fiorentina. Real Betis will meet Vitória SC in their tie. Fiorentina’s opponent is Panathinaikos. The quarter‑final path pits the winners of the Copenhagen clash against Molde or Pafos. The other side of the bracket could feature Borac. This new format eliminates the Europa League drop‑ins. It forces every team to earn their way forward. Fans are already speculating on potential upsets. The final in Wrocław will be a showcase of emerging European talent.
Cheyenne Walker
April 18, 2025 AT 18:50Analyzing the bracket, it is evident that Chelsea’s path is statistically favorable, yet not without risk. Copenhagen’s defensive organization could neutralize the Blues’ attacking fluidity. Real Betis must guard against Vitória’s counter‑press, while Fiorentina should capitalize on Panathinaikos’s transitional gaps. Teams should consider squad rotation to mitigate fatigue ahead of domestic commitments. The absence of Europa League relegated clubs simplifies predictive models for progression.
Jo Simpkinson
April 18, 2025 AT 18:55Oh great another big club in a tournament that pretends to be the underdog drama oh the suspense is just overwhelming the way we all love the same old story of the mighty falling but maybe not this time
Darrell Kuykendall
April 18, 2025 AT 19:00Wow!!! This draw is absolutely electrifying, I can’t wait to see Chelsea kick some ass!!! Copenhagen better bring their A‑game, because the Blues are coming in hot!!! And don’t even get me started on the other match‑ups – Real Betis vs Vitória looks like a cracker, and Fiorentina vs Panathinaikos could be a total thriller!!! Let’s goooo!!!
Dean Obijekwu
April 18, 2025 AT 19:05Honestly, I’m just here for the memes.
finlay moss
April 18, 2025 AT 19:10Look mate, the draw is pretty clear – Chelsea should just steamroll Copenhagen if they play like they did in the group stage, no sorry they need to watch out for those dancy Danish fullbacks though, they can cause some real problums if you don’t lock the defence down, trust me i’ve read the stats, they’re alwys undervaluing the scandinavian teams.