CHELSEA'S CHAMPION LEAGUE HOPE CRASHED BY HUDDERSFIELD DRAW

Huddersfield Town ensured Premier League survival after a battling draw at Stamford Bridge damaged Chelsea's hopes of playing in next season's Champions League and left Swansea City on the brink of relegation.

 

The Blues need a miracle to qualify for Europe's top competition after falling short against David Wagner's plucky Terriers at Stamford Bridge.

Antonio Conte feels Champions League qualification is likely beyond Chelsea after a 1-1 home draw with Huddersfield Town in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Marcos Alonso's fluke goal levelled after Laurent Depoitre gave the Terriers the lead at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea could not find a way to beat Jonas Lossl late on despite intense pressure, the goalkeeper brilliantly tipping an Andreas Christensen header on to the post.

Delpoitre's goal is worth £80 million to the Terriers, who secured their place in the Premier League with a well-earned point, but the 1-1 draw has effectively cost Chelsea £30m, as it means that they are now highly unlikely to be playing in the Champions League next season.

With Chelsea in fifth, the blues last season's champions must hope Liverpool slip up at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, so they can take advantage in their closing match of the campaign away to Newcastle United.

Indeed, Liverpool need only to avoid defeat at home to Brighton on Sunday to finish fourth.

The Blues need Liverpool to slip up if they are to qualify to the competition, with their manager accepting the odds are against them.

All hope is not totally lost as Chelsea's  will be back in action on 19 May when they take on Manchester United in the FA Cup final.