Chelsea have been drawn into the tougher half of the Champions League knockout bracket after finishing sixth in the league phase. The Blues, who started the campaign under Enzo Maresca before Liam Rosenior took over, avoided a play-off round and will now face holders Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16.
PSG, who won their first European title last season by thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the final, advanced by beating fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco 5-4 on aggregate in the play-offs. Chelsea will have the advantage of playing the second leg at Stamford Bridge due to their top-eight finish.
Should Chelsea overcome PSG, they would meet either Galatasaray or Liverpool in the quarter-finals. Liverpool are favourites but were beaten by a Victor Osimhen penalty in the league phase. A quarter-final win would set up a semi-final against one of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Atalanta or Bayern Munich.
If Chelsea reach the final in Budapest on 30 May, they could face London rivals Arsenal, who are on the other side of the draw alongside Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Arsenal are considered favourites to progress from their half based on current form.
