Chelsea’s remaining Champions League opponents, how they have fared recently and the Blues’ previous records against them | OneFootball

The draw for the Champions League league stage has been made, with Chelsea among the clubs to discover who they will be facing as they look to progress to the knockout rounds.

Chelsea have a rich history in Europe, becoming the first side to win each of the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, and have twice won Europe’s premier competition.

The Blues endured a difficult start to their latest European campaign after being beaten by Bayern Munich. But we’ve analysed Chelsea’s other upcoming opponents, their recent history, and how the Blues have fared against them previously…

Benfica (H) – Tuesday September 30

Chelsea have never lost to Benfica in European competitions. They were also victorious over the Portuguese side in the Club World Cup this summer, winning 4-1 in a crazy game due to weather disruption.

Benfica finished as runners-up to Sporting in last season’s Liga Portugal but boast some exciting talent, including new midfield signing Richard Rios and central defender Antonio Silva. To find tickets for these games and more, see Hellotickets — Chelsea tickets with transparent fees.

Ajax (H) – Wednesday October 22

The last time Chelsea played Ajax was in the Champions League group stages in the 2019/20 season – a crazy 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge. They also beat them 1-0 that season in a much calmer affair.

Ajax have endured tougher times recently but recovered somewhat last season to finished second in the Eredivisie.

Qarabag (A) – Wednesday November 5

Chelsea will be hoping there are not too many fireworks when they face Qarabag on November 5.

The Blues have hammered the Azerbaijan side on both previous occasions they have played them and will be targeting a repeat of that, but do face a long trip out there which could work against them.

Barcelona (H) – Tuesday November 25

The Spanish champions visit Stamford Bridge in November in the latest chapter of their European rivalry.

There are 17 former meetings between the two clubs on record, the most recent coming in 2018 when the Blues were beaten 4-1 on aggregate to be knocked out of the competition.

The most famous of their clashes was arguably in 2012, when the Blues defied the odds to snatch a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou despite playing with ten men to reach the final of the competition, which they would go on to win.

Atalanta (A) – Tuesday December 9

The Italian side lost long-serving manager Gian Piero Gasperini this summer, who has joined Roma.

They have consistently punched above their weight in Europe, but have never faced Chelsea before with the first clash between the two sides set for December.

Pafos (H) – Wednesday January 21

The Cypriot side are playing in Europe for just the second time in their history and for the first time in the Champions League. Unsurprisingly, they have also never faced Chelsea before.

It will also see the return of David Luiz to Stamford Bridge, who signed for the club this summer.

Napoli (A) – Wednesday January 28

The two clubs have played each other twice before, also in that famous 2012 season when Chelsea came from 3-1 down in the first leg of the round of 16 to win 4-1 at home and progress to the quarter-finals.

Napoli are managed by former Blues boss Antonio Conte, who guided his side to the Serie A title last season.