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 last-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.
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.
The first leg of those ties will be played on March 6, with the return fixtures a week later.