After securing top spot in the Premier League 2 table, Chelsea Under-21s begin the play-off stages with a home tie against Middlesbrough at Kingsmeadow this Saturday, kicking off at 2pm.
It was a strong regular-season campaign for Chelsea Under-21s, as the Blues finished as league winners with 43 points. A superior goal difference over second-placed Manchester United ensured first place at the end of the league phase and our status as the top seeds in the title play-offs. The side won 14 of our 20 fixtures, scoring 52 goals along the way.
The Premier League 2 now moves into the knockout stage, with a 16-team play-off format featuring the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. As league winners, Chelsea will have home advantage in all matches should we continue to progress in the competition.
In the round of 16, the Blues will face Middlesbrough, who finished 16th in the table, recording seven wins, seven draws and six defeats during the regular campaign, ending their Premier League 2 season with an impressive 2-0 away win over Aston Villa.
The fixture will take place this Saturday 25 April at Kingsmeadow, kicking off at 2pm. Tickets are available for the match here now. Supporters with a season ticket, membership or aged under 20 can claim one free ticket, available until midday on Friday 24 April.