Chelsea’s hopes of progressing within the Europa Convention League are hanging within the steadiness after a 2-1 win over Copenhagen.
The Blues went to Denmark and left with a victory and a slight combination lead, however Gabriel Pereira’s late header means the Danish aspect aren’t out of it.
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Enzo Maresca’s crew are the clear favourites to win UEFA’s latest competitors, given the gamers they’ve at their disposal.
They did not even register Cole Palmer for the group stage, whereas he’s now again within the fold for the knockout rounds.
However even with out him, they gained each recreation to complete on the very prime of the pile.
Ought to they see off Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge within the second leg, they already know who their subsequent opponents might be.
Who may Chelsea face?
Chelsea will really feel they ended up on the extra beneficial aspect of the draw, with the Blues not in a position to meet Fiorentina or Actual Betis till the ultimate.
The Italian aspect are two-time runners-up, whereas Betis are managed by former Manchester Metropolis boss Manuel Pellegrini.
On the Blues’ aspect of the draw, Legia Warszawa and Molde signify the largest groups.
And it is going to be one in every of these that Chelsea face within the final eight.
Because it stands, it appears like it is going to be Molde, although the tie is within the steadiness.
The house aspect took a 3-0 lead into half time and seemed to have the match and tie wrapped up.
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Nonetheless, the Polish giants responded effectively within the second half and grabbed two objectives.
Which means they welcome Molde, figuring out they solely want one objective to degree the competition.
After all, Legia might be backed by a passionate house crowd, in order that tie is much from over.
The reward for the winner might be a recreation in opposition to both Chelsea or Copenhagen.
After all, the Blues will really feel that they’ve extra then sufficient to get previous their Danish opponents, however Maresca wasn’t pleased his aspect conceded close to the top whereas he charges Copenhagen.
Talking at his post-match press convention, he mentioned: “We may keep away from that. It is soccer, it might occur.
“Now, 90 minutes is completed – we’re pleased, we gained. We’ve 90 extra minutes in opposition to them subsequent week.
“I watch many video games after we face a crew, so I watched many video games from this season within the Convention League and likewise within the league.
“They by no means performed with a line of 5. Within the final two years, they performed two video games with a line of 5. Tonight, they performed with a line of 5 and shocked us.
“Total, I feel we did fairly effectively. They’re an excellent crew, they play excellent soccer, with a great supervisor, good younger gamers. Excellent.”