Chelsea's comfortable progress in the Conference League, despite an uninspiring first-half display against Copenhagen, highlights their significant margin for error in the competition. This could allow them to prioritise their Premier League campaign and push for Champions League qualification.
Chelsea's 1-0 victory over FC Copenhagen (3-1 on aggregate) secured their place in the Conference League quarter-finals, but their sluggish first-half performance raised concerns. Despite failing to register a shot in the opening 45 minutes, the Blues were rarely threatened by their Danish opponents. Enzo Maresca made key second-half changes, introducing Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella, which helped turn the tide, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scoring the decisive goal.
The ease with which Chelsea navigated this tie highlights the vast gap in quality between them and most other teams in the competition. Their superior squad depth allows Maresca to rotate players and conserve energy for the Premier League, where Chelsea face a difficult run-in. Sitting fourth in the table, their push for Champions League qualification remains uncertain, but the Conference League offers a safety net that may ultimately benefit their domestic ambitions.
