Chelsea handed testing tie in Europa Conference League playoff draw

The Blues had hoped that a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League would lead to automatic qualification for the Europa League.

Instead, Manchester United's victory over neighbours Manchester City in the FA Cup final led to Chelsea being demoted to the Europa Conference League.

Even as a seeded team, it was revealed on Monday morning that Enzo Maresca's side could be handed the test of facing either Braga or Servette, by far the toughest combination in a batch of five possibilities.

Nearly five hours later, the draw for the playoffs was conducted with the Portuguese or Swiss club now awaiting Chelsea on August 22 and August 29 respectively.

West-London-based Chelsea will also play the first leg at Stamford Bridge, leaving them with a trip to Estadio Municipal de Braga or the Stade de Geneve at the end of the month.

When will Chelsea find out their next opponents?

Chelsea will have just a week of preparation time for the tie, a result of the second leg of Braga and Servette's Europa League third qualifying round tie not taking place until August 15.

Whoever loses that contest will drop down into the Europa Conference League and go head-to-head with Chelsea, the English outfit naturally hoping to face Servette.

Last season, Braga only finished in fourth place in the Primeira Liga standings, yet they lifted the Taca da Liga trophy at the beginning of 2024.

Servette enjoyed a similar campaign, only earning third place in the Swiss Super League but being victorious in the Swiss Cup.

They would also reach the last 16 of the Europa Conference League, only being eliminated in a penalty shootout against Viktoria Plzen.

Who has the best preparation?

Before the first leg, Chelsea will only have two more friendlies and a Premier League opener against Manchester City under their belts.

In sharp contrast, Braga will have played six competitive matches, whereas Servette are already at the stage where they are four games into their domestic campaign.

Thomas Haberli's side sit joint-top of the Swiss top flight with nine points having been collected from their opening four fixtures.