The UEFA Conference League (UECL) wraps up its inaugural league phase on Thursday. But, what is on the line heading into the final round of fixtures? Flashscore provides a look at everything up for grabs as all 18 games kick off at 21:00 CET.
Round of 16 spots: 15 teams look to join Chelsea
Having won all five of their games in the league phase thus far, Chelsea are the only team guaranteed a spot in the last 16 of the Conference League. A point at home to high-flying Shamrock Rovers, who are also looking to join the Blues in the round of 16, would see Enzo Maresca’s side finish atop the table.
But, outside of Chelsea, there are as many as 15 teams who can still grab the final seven spots in the top eight. Vitoria Guimaraes, also unbeaten in this league phase, host Fiorentina, who have the second most goals scored (17) behind Chelsea’s 21. The pair are likely to join the Premier League side in the last 16, regardless of the match’s result.
Beyond the three teams, Legia Warsaw, Lugano (both on 12 points), and Shamrock Rovers (11) are all a win away from securing a top-eight finish. It gets even more hectic, as Cercle Brugge, Jagiellonia, Rapid Wien, APOEL, Djurgarden (10), Paphos, Gent, Olimpija Ljubljana, Heidenheim (9) and FC Kobenhavn (8) all are in with a chance as well.
It is expected that 12 points will be the amount needed to finish eighth or higher, though 13 could also be required. In fact, even clubs who finish on 15 points could finish ninth or 10th. However, points are not the only deciding factor. Goal difference is likely to be key in who qualifies directly for the round of 16, skipping the knockout round playoffs. For that reason, some teams have a higher probability of finishing in the top eight on 12 points, than others do.
There are a couple other direct clashes on the final day; Jagiellonia host Olimpija Ljubljana, Rapid Wien welcome Kobenhavn, Djurgarden and Legia square off, and Lugano battle Paphos. In these winner-take-all matches, it will go a long way to determining the remaining seven teams to enter the last 16 in March.
Knockout round playoff places: 17 to be dwindled to eight
Of the 24 places in the knockout rounds, 16 of them are already taken. That leaves eight left, with 17 sides fighting for those spots. Seven points are expected to be required, though six may be enough.
Only three teams are eliminated from the competition going into the final round: LASK, Petrocub, and Larne. The New Saints and Dinamo Minsk, both on three points, will need a miracle to advance. The former face fellow knockout round hopefuls Celje (4), while the latter meet Panathinaikos (7), who are likely to advance.
Looking at the remaining sides, also on seven points are Real Betis, Vikingur Reykjavik, and Borac Banja Luka, while Omonoia Nicosia, Mlada Boleslav and Hearts are on six. Istanbul Basaksehir are on five, with seven more teams – Celje, Molde, TSC, Astana, HJK, St. Gallen, and Noah – all on four points.
Many of the sides battling for these remaining places are aiming to get past this stage of a UEFA club competition for the first time. Just five of the 17 have successfully negotiated the group phase in Europe before this fall.
As is the case with the teams fighting for a top-eight place, goal difference will be key to make the knockout rounds. Sides like Noah and St. Gallen are less likely to progress, even if they win, due to their poor goal difference. In contrast, the likes of Celje, Omonoia, and Molde are almost certain to pass this stage if they get to seven points.
Looking at the direct matches on Thursday, Real Betis host HJK, Borac Banja Luka welcome Omonoia, Molde meet Mlada Boleslav, while TSC play Noah. It is pretty much win or go home for these four games, making them all the more fascinating.
Regardless of what happens on Thursday, we are in for a football feast in the UEFA Conference League. Thirty-six teams play their final league phase games, with 32 of them jostling for significant places in the ranking. We could not ask for a better way to conclude the calendar year for continental football.
Follow the UEFA Conference League on Flashscore
