Chelsea's Championship Quest: Mapping Their Path to Champions League Glory in 2025-26
Chelsea's journey to Budapest has been outlined, with Liam Rosenior hoping to continue the tradition of mid-season appointments leading the Blues to Champions League success.
Roberto Di Matteo and Thomas Tuchel both orchestrated incredible European triumphs in 2012 and 2021 respectively, though Chelsea's first European victory, achieved in Munich, surpasses their subsequent success in terms of sheer improbability.
The Blues are clearly underdogs this campaign, despite their encouraging beginning under Rosenior's guidance. This marks the manager's debut in Europe's premier competition, and the former defender has already outmaneuvered Antonio Conte in this tournament.
Nevertheless, much tougher tests than an injury-depleted Napoli await the west London club. Here's their possible pathway to the 2025–26 Champions League final.
Chelsea's Last 16 Opponents
Chelsea's Last 16 Opponents
It's hardly a gentle introduction to the knockout phase for Chelsea, who face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
These clubs frequently clashed during the mid-2010s, with PSG usually prevailing in closely contested two-legged encounters that could have swung either direction. The Blues dominated their most recent and therefore more significant meeting, however, despite their 3–0 FIFA Club World Cup final victory being orchestrated by the now-departed Enzo Maresca.
Rosenior would be smart to adopt the strategy implemented by the Italian in New Jersey, and Chelsea can draw encouragement from PSG's inconsistent performances. This isn't the dynamic Parisian team from twelve months ago, with their anxious playoff victory over Monaco providing additional proof of their gradual deterioration.
Luis Enrique's squad are also engaged in a tight Ligue 1 championship battle with Lens, meaning the Spaniard is unlikely to have opportunities for extensive domestic rotation, unlike last season.
Chelsea's Potential Quarterfinal Opponents
Chelsea's Potential Quarterfinal Opponents
Should Chelsea eliminate the title holders, we might witness some Champions League history in the quarterfinals.
The Blues engaged in some of the most memorable knockout battles with Liverpool during the 2000s, meeting four times across two legs between 2004–05 and 2008–09. From Luis García's controversial 'ghost goal' to the thrilling 4–4 encounter at Stamford Bridge, drama and dispute seemed inevitable whenever these teams met on European evenings.
Nostalgia enthusiasts will eagerly anticipate this overdue rematch, with Liverpool expected to advance from their round of 16 clash against Galatasaray, despite the Reds' defeat in Istanbul during the group stage.
Chelsea's Potential Semifinal Opponents
Chelsea's Potential Semifinal Opponents
This proved to be an unbalanced draw and, theoretically, Chelsea find themselves on the challenging side of it. If they advance to the semifinals, a European giant will certainly be waiting.
There's potential for another all-English matchup, but Manchester City must overcome Real Madrid in another Champions League Clásico that UEFA appears eager to make an annual fixture.
Bayern Munich also occupy the 'silver bracket' of the draw and face Atalanta in the round of 16. Vincent Kompany's team has experienced some domestic setbacks recently. However, only Arsenal surpassed them during the group phase, and they seem like genuine candidates to secure a seventh Champions League crown.
Following their penalty shootout triumph over Bayern in the final 14 years ago, Chelsea have suffered defeat in all four subsequent encounters with the German powerhouse, who currently have Blues forward Nicolas Jackson on loan.
Chelsea's Potential Final Opponents
Chelsea's Potential Final Opponents
There are presently eight possible adversaries for Chelsea in the final, should Rosenior's team navigate the knockout rounds successfully.
Premier League competitors Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United sit on the 'blue bracket' of the draw, though their journeys could be terminated by Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. Barça reached the semifinals last season but, similar to PSG, don't seem as formidable as they were twelve months prior.
Therefore, the scene is prepared for Arsenal to achieve their second Champions League final appearance. The Gunners have shown consistent improvement in this tournament under Mikel Arteta and now appear ready to reach the ultimate match. Bayer Leverkusen will likely be dismissed in the last 16, as should Sporting CP or Bodø/Glimt in the quarterfinals.
A more difficult challenge will emerge in the semifinals, but you'd favor Arsenal against any of their potential rivals with the final merely 180 minutes away.