Chelsea are clear favourites to win the Conference League this season, but could face a tricky tie as the knockout stage proper begins.
The Blues made it six wins from six - the only team to boast a 100 per cent record in the league phase - with a goal difference of +21 as Enzo Maresca’s side made easy work of the third-tier European competition.
The revamped tournament means the Blues, along with the remainder of the top eight, skipped the play-off round and have already secured their spot in the round-16 stage.
It also means Chelsea know they will face one of four teams for a place in the quarter-finals.
Who will Chelsea face in Conference League last-16 stage?
Having finished top of the League Phase, Chelsea watched on as the play-off draw back in December mapped out four possible opponents for next month’s last-16 stage.
Chelsea will face one of: Gent, Copenhagen, Real Betis or Heidenheim.
Those four teams will on Thursday get whittled down to two following the second legs of their play-off ties.
Betis made easy work of Gent in the first leg of their play-off clash, winning 3-0 as Manchester United loanee Antony opened the scoring. In the other tie, Heidenheim welcome Copenhagen to Germany holding a 2-1 first-leg advantage.
Chelsea have already face Bundesliga strugglers Heidenheim in this competition, winning 2-0. The Blues have previously faced Copenhagen in the Champions League, so quite the climb down for both teams.
Chelsea will see their opponent confirmed during the round-16 draw on Friday, February 21.
The first leg of those ties will be played on March 6, with the return fixtures a week later.
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