Chelsea have had a mixed first season under head coach Enzo Maresca, but it could be one that ends with great success.

The Blues have recovered from a shaky run of Premier League form by winning three straight matches, including over new champions Liverpool, to put themselves in a strong position for a top-five finish.

They also have one foot in the UEFA Conference League final after beating Djurgarden 4-1 in the first leg of their semifinal clash. Maresca said that winning the tournament would be "a statement to say Chelsea is back" as a major player in European football.

But winning the Conference League doesn't just get you a trophy, it also earns you a place in the following season's UEFA Europa League. So, what happens if Chelsea win it but also qualify for Europe through their league finish?

The Sporting News breaks down the regulations below and details what's at stake for the Blues.

Simply put, if Chelsea win the UEFA Conference League, they are likely to have a choice when it comes to European football in 2025/26.

Either they can play in the Europa League, or they could enter the UEFA Champions League, assuming they qualify through their league finish.

Confused? Let us explain.