Chelsea are just two weeks away from learning who their opponents will be as they make their return to the Champions League after a two year absence.
The Blues are set to be seeded in pot one of the competition, however Chelsea will still have to face two top sides as per the new format.
Enzo Maresca used European football to rotate his side last season, although this luxury is unlikely to be afforded to them again due to the competition boasting far more impressive sides than the Conference League.
Some of the sides who could end up lining up at Stamford Bridge this season are still looking to qualify for the Champions League, with the route being gruelling for some depending on which country they represent.
Champions League ball on display ahead of FC Barcelona v PSV - UEFA Champions League Group B
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Dastan Satpaev has fans sing his name in huge Champions League win
One of those pushed hard are Kairat Almaty, who have Chelsea wonderkid Dastan Satpaev in their ranks.
Satpaev scored a 90th minute winner in the first leg of their tie against Slovan Bratislava, and they ran out winners of the tie on penalties after losing the second leg 1-0 in 120 minutes.
The travelling Almaty fans were heard chanting the youngster’s name in support, with it clear that he has now become one of their most important players on the day he turned 17 years of age.
🚨🇰🇿 | “Ohh Dastan Satpaev, Ohh Dastan Satpaev” – chant the fans.
Exclusive footage from Tehelné Pole stadium sent in by our readers. This kind of support couldn’t come at a better time – extra time is ahead, and possibly even a penalty shootout. pic.twitter.com/skE4JhQDZE
— Scout in Eurasia (@scout_eurasia) August 12, 2025
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Satpaev has been banging in the goals since becoming a first team star, and has left everyone believing Chelsea have signed another top star in the making.
Dastan Satpaev battles for the ball during Olimpija v Kairat Almaty - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 First Qualifying Round First Leg
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Chelsea excited about Satpaev
After already securing the services of talented youngsters such as Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos, they will be looking for a similar impact from the Kazakhstan international.
The Blues have a coach working with Satpaev in order to get him ready for when he is eligible to join Chelsea, when he turns 18.
Having already broken into the national side as well as his club, the future is clearly bright for the striker, and he would love the opportunity to face Chelsea in the group stages of the Champions League.
Almaty will face Celtic in the final play-off tie before they can reach the competition, with a place in the Europa League already secured.