On Thursday evening, the final matchday of the Conference League group stage is scheduled. Voetbal International outlines where the excitement lies during this last round of games.
Unlike in the Champions League and Europa League, the UEFA Conference League follows a unique format in its group stage, consisting of only six matches instead of eight.
This condensed format intensifies the competition, making each match crucial for progression. Thursday evening marks the final round of the group stage, with numerous teams still fighting for survival or aiming to secure a coveted spot in the Round of 16. For many clubs, this final matchday will determine whether their European dreams continue into the knockout rounds or come to an abrupt end.
The stakes are particularly high at the top of the standings, where the competition is fierce. As with the other European tournaments, the top eight teams will automatically advance to the Round of 16, enjoying the advantage of skipping the intermediate knockout round. Meanwhile, teams finishing between 9th and 24th place will enter a preliminary knockout phase, where they will face additional challenges before reaching the latter stages of the tournament.
At this stage, Chelsea stands as the only team guaranteed a direct berth in the Round of 16, a testament to their dominance in the group phase. However, the remaining spots in the top eight are far from decided. Teams such as Vitoria Guimarães, Fiorentina, Legia Warsaw, Lugano, Shamrock Rovers, Cercle Brugge, and Jagiellonia Białystok still occupy top positions but remain under significant pressure. A single misstep on this final matchday could see any of them slip out of the elite eight, opening the door for others to capitalize on their mistakes.
For teams outside the top eight, securing a place in the intermediate knockout round remains a priority. The current top 15 clubs have already ensured their European campaigns will continue beyond the winter break, regardless of whether they advance directly to the Round of 16 or must fight through the preliminary phase. Among these teams are familiar names like Rapid Wien, APOEL Nicosia, Djurgårdens IF, Pafos FC, KAA Gent, Olimpija Ljubljana, and FC Heidenheim. Their progression reflects consistent performances throughout the group stage, and these teams will look to build momentum as they approach the knockout rounds.
However, the real drama lies further down the standings, where a host of clubs are still fighting for their European survival. Teams like FC Copenhagen, Real Betis, Panathinaikos, Vikingur Reykjavik, Borac Banja Luka, Omonia Nicosia, Mladá Boleslav, Hearts, and Istanbul Basaksehir currently find themselves inside the top 24 but have yet to lock down their positions. For these teams, Thursday evening’s matches are effectively do-or-die. A victory could secure their place in the next round, while anything less might see them overtaken by teams lurking just outside the qualifying spots.
Clubs such as Molde FK, FC Astana, HJK, and Sankt Gallen remain in hot pursuit, determined to claw their way into the top 24. Their task is daunting but not impossible, as European football has often proven to be unpredictable. With the right combination of results, even teams on the brink can pull off a miraculous comeback, securing their place in the knockout rounds and keeping their European hopes alive.
For fans of the competition, this final matchday promises excitement, tension, and unpredictability. Every goal, save, and decision will carry extra weight, as teams fight not only for pride but also for survival and progression. Matches across Europe will unfold simultaneously, with every group’s outcome hanging in the balance. Ziggo Sport 4 will provide a live switch program, offering fans the opportunity to follow all the key moments as they happen.
This final round also highlights the broader significance of the Conference League as a platform for smaller clubs to shine on the European stage. For teams like Vikingur Reykjavik, Borac Banja Luka, and Pafos FC, the opportunity to advance in a continental competition represents a major milestone in their history. It’s a chance to compete against stronger opposition, gain valuable experience, and showcase their talent to a wider audience. The tournament’s structure ensures that every match has meaning, creating opportunities for upsets and underdog stories that define the essence of football.
As the dust settles after Thursday’s fixtures, the Conference League will enter its next phase, with the knockout rounds promising even more drama and excitement. For now, though, the focus is on this decisive evening, where teams will leave everything on the pitch in pursuit of their European ambitions. Whether it’s a last-minute goal, a crucial save, or an unexpected result, the final group-stage matches are set to deliver the kind of drama that only European football can provide. Fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see which clubs rise to the occasion and which ones fall short.
