May 28, 2025, the electric atmosphere of Stadion Wrocław in Poland, and two teams ready to etch their names in history. Real Betis vs Chelsea FC are squaring off in the 2025 Conference League Final, and it’s shaping up to be an absolute cracker.
For Chelsea, it’s their first dance in this competition, while Betis are making their debut in a European final. No matter who you’re rooting for, this is one of those matches that’ll have you glued to the screen.
Chelsea, led by the cool-headed Enzo Maresca, have been a goal-scoring machine, racking up a jaw-dropping 38 goals in the tournament. They punched their ticket to the final by steamrolling Djurgårdens IF 5-1 on aggregate, with flair machines like Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho lighting up the pitch.
Meanwhile, Real Betis, guided by the wily veteran Manuel Pellegrini, clawed their way through a nail-biting 4-3 aggregate win over Fiorentina. Abde Ezzalzouli’s extra-time stunner sealed the deal, proving Betis have the heart and hustle to go the distance.
What to expect from both teams
What makes this final so juicy? It’s a clash of styles. Chelsea’s slick, possession-based game, powered by young guns and big names, meets Betis’ gritty mix of experience and flair. Think Isco pulling strings in midfield or Cédric Bakambu pouncing on chances up top.
Chelsea are hunting their ninth European trophy, while Betis are dreaming of their first-ever continental crown. Oh, and the cherry on top? The winner gets a golden ticket to the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League group stage.
Grab your snacks, pick your side, and get ready for a night of drama, goals, and maybe a few heart-stopping moments. Betis vs Chelsea isn’t just a final—it’s a story waiting to be written.
key players to keep an eye on in the 2025 UEFA Conference League final
Real Betis Players to Watch
Isco (Midfielder)
The 33-year-old creative maestro is the heartbeat of Betis’ attack. A four-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Isco’s vision, dribbling, and ability to unlock defenses make him a constant threat. He’s been pivotal in Betis’ run, combining brilliantly with wingers and dictating the tempo. Fans on X have raved about his return to top form, with some calling him the “true hero” of Betis’ campaign. Expect him to pull the strings in midfield and create chances against Chelsea’s backline.
Antony (Winger, on loan from Manchester United)
Antony has been a revelation for Betis since joining on loan, showcasing his flair and attacking prowess. He scored a stunning free-kick in the semi-final second leg against Fiorentina and set up the extra-time winner by Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, demonstrating his ability to deliver in clutch moments. His direct running, intelligent movement, and combination play with Isco make him a constant threat. With three goals and two assists in the competition, Antony’s attacking inspiration is vital for Betis.
Key Stats: 3 goals, 2 assists in 7 Conference League appearances.
Impact: His ability to create chances and score from set pieces could be decisive against Chelsea’s defense.
Cédric Bakambu (Striker)
Bakambu is Betis’ leading scorer in the Conference League with 7 goals, trailing only Jagiellonia’s Afimico Pululu (8) in the competition. His clinical finishing, as seen in the quarter-final first leg against Jagiellonia, and his movement off the ball make him a constant threat. He also contributed two assists, including setting up the opener in the semi-final first leg. His experience and goal-scoring form will be key against Chelsea’s backline.
Key Stats: 7 goals, 2 assists in the 2024/25 Conference League season.
Impact: Bakambu’s knack for finding space and converting chances could exploit any defensive lapses by Chelsea
Chelsea Players to Watch
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Midfielder)
Dewsbury-Hall has been a crucial figure in Chelsea’s Conference League run, notably scoring the decisive goal in the semi-final second leg against Djurgårdens IF to secure Chelsea’s place in the final.
In the Conference League, he has 1 goal in 1 appearance, with a total of 7 appearances across all competitions this season.
His ability to arrive late in the box and contribute defensively makes him a key two-way threat.
Marc Cucurella (Defender)
Cucurella has played 7 matches in the Conference League this season, scoring 2 goals and maintaining a passing accuracy of 90.86%.
He has also contributed defensively with 4 tackles and 28 balls recovered, underlining his importance on both ends of the pitch. His energy and versatility on the left flank provide Chelsea with attacking width and defensive solidity.
Key Strengths of Real Betis That Could Give Them an Edge Over Chelsea
Attacking Bravery and Versatility
Real Betis, under Manuel Pellegrini, have demonstrated a fearless attacking approach, even in high-pressure away matches. They consistently seek to take the initiative rather than sit back, as shown in their semi-final against Fiorentina. Their ability to pose a constant goal threat through attacking verve, combination play, and rapid transitions has been a hallmark of their campaign.
Dynamic Wing Play and Combination Attacks
Betis excel at creating chances through fluid combinations, especially involving wide players like Antony and Isco. Antony’s direct running, creativity, and intelligent movement-often combining with Isco-have repeatedly broken down opposition defenses. Their willingness to attack from both flanks and switch play quickly keeps opponents guessing and stretches defensive lines.
Transition Play and Penetrating Passes
One of Betis’ most effective weapons is their ability to exploit transitional moments. They are adept at winning the ball and immediately launching penetrating passes behind the opposition’s defensive line, often catching teams off guard. Isco’s technical ability and vision are crucial here, as he orchestrates quick attacks and creates opportunities for runners like Bakambu and Ezzalzouli.
Tactical Flexibility and Impactful Substitutions
Pellegrini’s tactical adjustments and timely substitutions have kept Betis energetic and dangerous throughout matches, especially in extra time. The introduction of fresh attacking players like Ezzalzouli and Ruibal has often led to decisive moments, as seen in the semi-final where substitutes combined for the winning goal.
Resilience and Big-Game Mentality
Betis have shown remarkable resilience in knockout scenarios, outlasting Fiorentina in extra time and maintaining composure under pressure. They are unbeaten in their last nine away matches in all competitions, highlighting their ability to perform in difficult environments.
Ability to Score First and Control Games
The team has scored the opening goal in 12 of their last 13 Conference League matches, allowing them to dictate the tempo and force opponents to chase the game.
How Chelsea’s Defense Might Adapt to Real Betis’ Attacking Threats
Flexible Defensive Shape and Tactical Adjustments
Chelsea have shown the ability to shift between defensive formations-most notably moving from a 4-4-2 to a 4-1-4-1 during high-stakes matches. This gives them more control in central areas, allowing them to counter teams that try to overload the midfield or create pockets of space between the lines. By deploying an extra midfielder deeper, Chelsea can better shield their back line from Betis’ creative playmakers like Isco and disrupt Betis’ attempts to combine centrally.
Aggressive and Cohesive Pressing
Chelsea’s defensive blueprint under Enzo Maresca emphasizes group pressing, especially in advanced areas. Their front six often lock onto direct opponents, forcing the opposition to play long balls or risk turnovers in dangerous zones. This high-intensity pressing can disrupt Betis’ rhythm, limit their ability to play through midfield, and create quick counter-attacking opportunities for Chelsea.
Wide Defensive Coverage and 1v1 Ability
Real Betis are dangerous in wide areas, often creating overloads and combining with wingers and full-backs. Chelsea’s defenders, particularly the full-backs and center-backs, are trained to defend in both central and wide spaces. Their willingness to go high up the pitch and defend 1v1 situations is crucial to neutralizing Betis’ wing play. This approach also allows Chelsea to quickly close down Betis’ wide attackers and prevent dangerous cutbacks or crosses into the box.
Midfield Compactness and Spatial Control
Maintaining compact vertical spacing in midfield is a priority for Chelsea. By keeping their midfield tight and physically intelligent, they can limit the space available to Betis’ creative players and reduce the effectiveness of Betis’ rapid transitions and combination play. This spatial control helps Chelsea dictate the tempo and reduces the risk of being caught out by Betis’ quick switches of play.
Tactical Use of Substitutions and Athleticism
Chelsea’s ability to make timely tactical substitutions and rely on athletic defenders who can cover ground quickly will be key against Betis’ energetic and unpredictable attack. The center-backs’ athleticism, in particular, allows them to defend both centrally and in wide areas, which is essential against Betis’ dynamic forwards and overlapping full-backs
The Bigger Story
This season’s been a wild ride for both clubs. Betis started slow in La Liga but found their mojo in Europe, using the Conference League to spark a turnaround. Pellegrini’s blended old hands like Isco with young guns like Ezzalzouli, and it paid off big time. For Chelsea, Maresca’s arrival has steadied the ship after some bumpy years. They’ve leaned on youngsters like Dewsbury-Hall while letting stars like Palmer shine. Winning this would be a statement, a sign they’re back in the big leagues.
The managers bring their own flavor, too. Pellegrini’s all about possession and flair, while Maresca’s more pragmatic, building from a solid base. It’s a tactical chess match that’ll keep us guessing, will Betis’ boldness break through, or will Chelsea’s grit hold firm?
Conclusion: A Night We’ll Never Forget
As the final whistle looms, one thing’s for sure, this is going to be epic. Will Isco weave his magic? Can Antony dance past Cucurella? Maybe Dewsbury-Hall sneaks in with a late dagger. For Betis, it’s their shot at immortality; for Chelsea, it’s another notch on their European belt. Wherever you’re watching, soak it in, this is football at its finest. May the best team win!
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