Evening Standard
·15 August 2024
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·15 August 2024
Blues handed Swiss task with first leg next week
Chelsea have discovered their opponents for the Europa Conference League play-offs later this month.
Swiss club Servette will take on the Blues after losing their Europa League qualifier to Braga.
After a goalless draw in Portugal, Braga won 2-1 at Stade de Geneve on Thursday night thanks to goals from Amine El Ouazzani and Roberto Fernandez before a late consolation by Dereck Kutesa.
The first leg takes place on Thursday, August 22 at Stamford Bridge before the return fixture in Switzerland a week later.
Away goals will not feature in the tie, which will go to extra-time and penalties if level after the two games.
The winner will qualify for the Conference League group stage, which Chelsea have never played in before. The 12 Europa League play-off losers will also enter the Conference League groups.
Enzo Maresca is set for his competitive debut as Blues boss on Sunday when Manchester City come to west London on the Premier League opening weekend, before the first leg against Servette. They then face Wolves away before the trip across the continent.
Servette sit fifth in the Swiss Pro League after a four game winless run in all competitions, which includes a 6-0 defeat to Basel last weekend.
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