A historic evening awaits in Wrocław as Chelsea and Real Betis lock horns in the 2025 UEFA Conference League final, with both sides targeting a continental triumph to cap off their respective campaigns.
While the official prize for the winner is a place in the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League, Betis’ sixth-placed La Liga finish has already guaranteed their involvement in that competition next season.
Chelsea, meanwhile, arrive in Poland buoyed by Premier League top-five qualification, securing UEFA Champions League football for next term.
But silverware is at stake, and for both clubs, the chance to etch their name into European history remains priceless.
Real Betis – Momentum Needed for History
Manuel Pellegrini’s side may be lacking form but certainly not ambition.
The Spanish outfit are unbeaten in ten of their 11 Conference League games this season (W6, D3, L1) and are aiming to win their first-ever European trophy in what is also their first continental final.
That said, a five-game winless run across all competitions (D4, L1) isn’t ideal preparation, and a concerning record against English opposition in Europe (W1, D1, L6) adds another psychological hurdle.
Betis have never scored more than once in any of those eight games, a stat they’ll desperately hope to change against a battle-tested Chelsea side.
Still, there is quality in the squad. Antony, on loan from Manchester United, has been a spark in Europe, directly contributing to seven goals in eight Conference League games (G4, A3), with most of his goals arriving after the break.
His familiarity with English opponents could be an asset on a night where margins will be thin.
Chelsea – One Trophy Away from a European Grand Slam
This final represents more than just a trophy for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.
Should the Blues triumph in Wrocław, they would become the first club in history to win all five major UEFA competitions (Champions League, Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup, Super Cup, and now the Conference League).
Momentum is firmly on their side. Having booked their Champions League return with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on the Premier League’s final day, Chelsea head into this clash on a high, despite having two fewer days of rest than their Spanish counterparts.
They’ve also won 11 of their 12 Conference League games this term (L1), brushing aside opponents with conviction and scoring freely across both legs of their semi-final against Djurgården (5-1 agg).
History isn’t all kind, though. English sides have lost each of the last nine UEFA finals against Spanish teams, but Chelsea themselves boast an impeccable European finals record, winning each of their last four.
Tactical Outlook
Betis are expected to adopt a compact midfield structure, relying on the creativity of Isco and the wing threat of Abde Ezzalzouli and Antony. Defensively, they’ll aim to frustrate Chelsea with a mid-block and spring counters when possible.
Chelsea, on the other hand, will dominate possession and look to overload wide areas through Reece James and Marc Cucurella, while Cole Palmer’s movement between the lines will be vital. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández will be tasked with controlling transitions and limiting Betis’ chances to break.
Key Battles
- Isco vs. Enzo Fernández – The midfield engine rooms go head-to-head in a clash of tenacity and vision.
- Antony vs. Marc Cucurella – The Brazilian winger’s pace and unpredictability will test Chelsea’s defensive focus, especially after halftime.
- Palmer vs. Barta – Cole Palmer’s flair and positioning will keep the Betis defence busy; limiting his influence will be key.
Players to Watch
- Antony (Real Betis): A standout in Europe this term, he’s directly involved in seven goals in eight Conference League matches, including three second-half goals.
- Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea): Back from suspension and likely to lead the line, he’s scored in seven separate wins for Chelsea this season, including a vital strike in the semi-final. His pace and power could be decisive in Poland.
Potential Lineups:
Chelsea: Jorgensen; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Real Betis: Adrian; Ruibal, Barta, Natan, Rodriguez; Fornals, Altimira; Antony, Isco, Ezzalzouli; Cucho Hernandez.
Where to Watch:
United Kingdom: TNT Sports Channel 1
United States: Paramount+
Canada: DAZN Canada
India: JioTV
Australia: Stan Sport.
Nigeria: SuperSports
Predicted Score: Chelsea 2-1 Real Betis
Conclusion
Despite Betis’ European resilience and Chelsea’s shortened recovery window, the Blues possess too much firepower and continental pedigree to be denied here.
With motivation sky-high to make history, expect Chelsea to finish their season in style.
Chelsea will complete their UEFA trophy collection and lift the Conference League.