Job not done for Chelsea: Copenhagen still a danger in Europa Conference League second leg | OneFootball

Chelsea have won every match in the Europa Conference League this season, but past results count for little in knockout football.

They take a 2-1 lead into their second leg against FC Copenhagen and are the favourites to progress to the quarter-finals.

However, Copenhagen have already overturned a deficit in this competition, edging past Heidenheim after extra time last month.

They also boast a strong away record in the tournament, scoring at least twice in nine of their 14 road trips.

Chelsea’s home form in Europe is encouraging. They have won all four Europa Conference League matches at Stamford Bridge, racking up 19 goals and conceding just three.

Their only home defeat since August came against Fulham on Boxing Day. That record suggests they should be able to finish the job, but football rarely follows the script.

Copenhagen are not arriving in their best form. A run of two wins in seven matches in all competitions has seen them surrender top spot in the Danish Superliga.

Jacob Neestrup has called for his side to produce ‘a little miracle’, but he will know that Chelsea have their own vulnerabilities.

Enzo Maresca’s side are improving but inconsistent. They have put together a three-match winning run, yet their performances have often been unconvincing.

Cole Palmer, a key figure in their attack, missed his first-ever penalty against Leicester City. Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke and Malo Gusto are all unavailable.

Maresca has insisted that ‘the priority is tomorrow’. A derby against Arsenal looms at the weekend, but Chelsea cannot afford to think ahead.This competition may not be where Chelsea expected to be, but Maresca has acknowledged the importance of building a winning habit.

“When you start to win, it can become addicting,” he said. “If Chelsea want silverware this season, they must avoid another European collapse.They have the advantage, but progression is far from assured.