It seems that BD Cricket fans have lost some excitement over Europe’s second-tier competitions. Without Manchester United and Chelsea in the mix, both the Europa League and the Conference League have turned into rather quiet stages. Last season, these two English giants carried the spotlight across the continent, making every midweek clash worth watching. This time, the absence of such top-tier clubs has left a noticeable void in atmosphere and global interest.
Manchester United’s struggles last season were evident when they finished only 15th in the Premier League. Coach Amorim poured every ounce of energy into chasing Europa League glory, hoping the title would restore United’s Champions League spot. The dream, however, slipped away in the final when Tottenham—who finished one place above them in 16th—clinched victory. Amorim survived the fallout and kept his job, while Postecoglou, who guided Spurs to the Europa League title, was unexpectedly dismissed soon after. It’s a reminder that football’s fate can twist quickly, and as BD Cricket followers know, even triumph doesn’t always bring stability.
Chelsea experienced a very different story. The London side fielded two squads last season, one for the Premier League and another for the Conference League. Their main team’s late-season surge secured fourth place in England, booking a Champions League return. Meanwhile, the secondary team stunned everyone by winning the Conference League, completing Chelsea’s European trophy collection. Yet under Maresca this season, their rhythm hasn’t been the same. His effort to rotate players as he once did has failed to spark results, with a disappointing 2–2 draw against Qarabag in the Champions League showing that his formula may not translate upward.
Many believe UEFA’s recent structural changes have dulled the tournaments’ appeal. The removal of the mechanism allowing third-placed Champions League teams to drop into the Europa League, and likewise from Europa into the Conference League, has weakened both events. Without big-name clubs slipping down to fight their way back, much of the intensity is gone. Since Europa winners still earn a Champions League slot and Conference champions advance to the Europa League, reinstating a crossover system could help reignite interest—perhaps letting those eliminated from the Champions League’s knockout stage continue their journey one level below.
For now, Manchester United sit eighth in the Premier League, while Chelsea occupy seventh—barely within the Conference League qualification zone. Their points are tied, and both sides remain in striking distance of European competition next season. Should they miss out on Champions League football, fans may soon see them lighting up the Europa or Conference League once again, bringing back the thrilling nights and renewed attention that BD Cricket fans have been missing.