Real Betis vs Chelsea: Europa Conference League Final Preview

Chelsea arrive in Poland with momentum on their side, having secured a top-four finish in the Premier League courtesy of a decisive 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on the final day. That win not only booked their place in next season’s Champions League but ensured they approach this final without the burden of relying on Wednesday’s result for European qualification.

Despite early-season inconsistency, Enzo Maresca’s side have grown into the campaign and now stand one match away from completing the full set of major UEFA trophies. Having already lifted the Champions League, Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup, and Super Cup, the Blues would become the first club in history to win all four primary UEFA men’s competitions if they triumph in Wroclaw.

Chelsea breezed past Djurgardens in the semi-finals, and aside from minor group stage stumbles against Legia Warsaw and Servette, have largely lived up to their billing as favourites. With eight wins from 12 European finals, the West London club boast the kind of big-game pedigree their opponents can only aspire to.

That opponent, Real Betis, are making their debut in a European final and doing so under the experienced eye of Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean tactician – a former Premier League champion – masterminded a dramatic semi-final escape against Fiorentina. After letting a 2-1 first-leg advantage slip in Florence, Antony’s late assist for Abde Ezzalzouli salvaged a 2-2 draw and sealed Betis’ place in the final on aggregate.

The La Liga side have not won since that night in Italy, ending the domestic campaign without a victory in four outings, but they had already wrapped up sixth place and Europa League football for next season. Betis last faced Chelsea in the 2005-06 Champions League group stage, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge before narrowly winning 1-0 in the return fixture at the Benito Villamarín.

Fitness could play a key role on Wednesday. Chelsea are without Aaron Anselmino, Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman, and suspended winger Mykhaylo Mudryk. Christopher Nkunku missed the weekend’s league finale but could return to the squad, while Nicolas Jackson is available after serving a domestic ban. Romeo Lavia remains ineligible for European competition.

Real Betis have been hit harder. Hector Bellerin, Marc Roca, Diego Llorente, and Chimy Avila are all sidelined, while Giovani Lo Celso is doubtful due to muscular issues. However, there is better news regarding Youssouf Sabaly and Johnny Cardoso, both of whom trained ahead of the final. Up front, 34-year-old Cedric Bakambu is expected to lead the line, having scored seven goals in the Conference League this season – just one behind the tournament’s leading scorer.

As the curtain falls on the 2024-25 European calendar, Chelsea aim to make history, while Real Betis seek to write a new chapter of their own. With Wroclaw set for a vibrant atmosphere, one way or another, a memorable European night awaits.