Real Betis will confront Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday with both sides desperate to end the season with a trophy
After guaranteeing themselves a place in next season’s Champions League, the Blues can end an impressive season under Enzo Maresca by completing the set in terms of European trophies.
Twice winners of the Champions League and Europa League, the Conference League – a competition which was introduced in 2021 – is the only missing piece from the west London outfit’s European collection.
Having started well as the favourites to lift the trophy, Chelsea are one game away from meeting those expectations and should be on a high following an impressive end to the Premier League season.
That said, 2025 has been the year of the underdogs in cup competitions. Real Betis have never won a European trophy in their history but will be looking to take inspiration from the likes of Tottenham, Bologna, Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Aberdeen by causing a big upset
The match will take place at Stadion Wroclaw in Wroclaw, Poland
Chelsea have Nicolas Jackson available for the Conference League final as his suspension has no impact on European competitions. Christopher Nkunku could return to the squad after missing out against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
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Wesley Fofana will not feature due to injury whilst Romeo Lavia is ineligible having not been named in the Blues’ Conference League squad.
Real Betis have a host of doubts including ex-Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso. Former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin will not feature due to injury whilst Marc Roca, Diego Llorente, and Chimy Avila have also been ruled out.
The LaLiga side’s hopes of victory rest on the shoulders of Isco and on-loan Manchester United winger Antony who has enjoyed an impressive loan spell since making the switch in the January transfer window.
Maresca’s side finished the Premier League season strongly, winning four of their last five games – including beating Liverpool, Man Utd and Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile Betis have failed to win any of their last four and suffered a heavy loss away to Atletico Madrid 10 days after overcoming Fiorentina to book their place in the final.
In keeping with the two European cup finals that have taken place in the past week and Chelsea’s recent mean streak defensively, it would not be a surprise if one goal settles this clash in favour of the Blues.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides in nearly 20 years! They faced Themselves in the Champions League group phase back in the 2005/06 season, shearing home wins each.
Wednesday’s encounter will be explosive, only the more determined side will carry the day
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
