UEFA Conference League Final 2024/25: Real Betis Vs Chelsea Preview.
The stage is set for an enthralling UEFA Conference League final as Real Betis face Chelsea at Stadion Wrocław in Poland on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, with kick-off at 8:00 PM WAT (9:00 PM CET). This clash pits a Spanish side chasing their first-ever European trophy against a Chelsea team aiming to make history by becoming the first club to win all five major UEFA men’s senior competitions. Here’s a detailed preview of the match, covering team form, key players, tactics, head-to-head history, and how to watch.
When and Where
Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025
Time: 8:00 PM WAT (9:00 PM CET, 3:00 PM ET, 1:00 PM Mexico, 4:00 PM Argentina)
Venue: Stadion Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland (capacity: ~43,000, third-largest stadium in Poland, previously hosted Europa League finals in 2015 and 2021)
Broadcast: In the UK, the match will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 6:30 PM BST, and is available for free on the Discovery+ app and website. In Spain, Telefónica will broadcast the game, while in the US, viewers can tune in via CBS, Paramount+, TUDN, or ViX. In Mexico, Colombia, and South America, ESPN or Disney+ will provide coverage. DSTV will provide Fans in Africa and Nigeria the full coverage while other streaming broadcast partners will likewise cover the match.
The Stakes
For Real Betis, this is a historic moment as they contest their first-ever European final, aiming to become the first Spanish side to win the Conference League and join the likes of Roma (2022), West Ham (2023), and Olympiacos (2024) as champions of UEFA’s third-tier competition. A victory would secure their place in the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League group stage, though their sixth-place finish in La Liga (60 points) already guarantees Europa League football next season.
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, are chasing a unique piece of history. Having won the Champions League (2012, 2021), Europa League (2013, 2019), UEFA Super Cup (1998, 2021), and the defunct Cup Winners’ Cup (1971, 1998), the Blues could become the first team to claim all five major UEFA titles. Their fourth-place finish in the Premier League (69 points), secured with a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on the final day, ensures Champions League qualification for 2025/26, making this final an opportunity to cap a successful campaign with silverware.
Road to the Final
Real Betis had a challenging journey, finishing 15th in the Conference League league phase and navigating the knockout play-offs. They defeated Gent (3-1 aggregate), Vitória Guimarães (6-2), Jagiellonia Białystok (3-1), and two-time runners-up Fiorentina (4-3) in the semi-finals. Their semi-final tie was dramatic, with a 2-1 first-leg lead overturned by Fiorentina in Florence, only for Abde Ezzalzouli’s 97th-minute goal, assisted by Antony, to secure a 4-3 aggregate victory in extra time.
Chelsea dominated the competition, topping the league phase with six wins from six matches, scoring 26 goals and conceding just five. Their knockout stage included victories over FC Copenhagen (3-1 aggregate), Legia Warsaw (4-2, despite a 2-1 home loss), and Djurgårdens IF (5-1, with a 4-1 away win and 1-0 home win). The Blues have been the competition’s top scorers with 38 goals, a single-season record, and used 36 players—more than any other team—showcasing their squad depth.
Team News and Possible Line-Ups
Real Betis:
Possible Line-Up (4-2-3-1): Adrián; Sabaly, Natan, Mendy, Rodríguez; Cardoso, Carvalho; Antony, Isco, Ezzalzouli; Bakambu
Injuries/Doubts: Héctor Bellerín (hamstring), Diego Llorente (muscular), Marc Roca (foot), and Chimy Ávila (hamstring) are ruled out. Giovani Lo Celso (muscular) and Fran Vieites (calf) are doubtful, though Lo Celso trained on Tuesday. Youssouf Sabaly (shoulder) is expected to be fit, crucial in Bellerín’s absence.
Key Players:
Cédric Bakambu: The 34-year-old striker has seven Conference League goals, second only to Jagiellonia’s Afimico Pululu (eight), and two assists. His clinical finishing, as seen in the semi-final against Fiorentina, makes him a major threat.
Antony: The on-loan Manchester United winger has revitalised his career, contributing four goals and three assists in eight Conference League games. His pace and flair on the right will test Chelsea’s defence.
Isco: The 33-year-old midfielder, a four-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, has been in scintillating form, earning La Liga’s Player of the Month in March. His creativity and vision are central to Betis’ attack.
Natan: The defender has played more Conference League minutes (1,204) than any other player this season, providing defensive solidity.
Chelsea:
Possible Line-Up (4-3-3): Jørgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall, Fernández; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Injuries/Doubts: Wesley Fofana (hamstring), David Fofana (knee), and Omari Kellyman (hamstring) are out. Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu are doubtful but could return. Romeo Lavia is ineligible, and Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable. Nicolas Jackson is available, as his domestic suspension doesn’t apply to European competitions.
Key Players:
Nicolas Jackson: Likely to lead the line, Jackson scored twice in the semi-final first leg against Djurgården. His pace and finishing will be crucial.
Marc Guiu: Chelsea’s top Conference League scorer with six goals, the young striker could feature if fit, though his recent injury makes Jackson the probable starter.
Jadon Sancho: The on-loan Manchester United winger has been a key figure in Chelsea’s European campaign, scoring in the semi-final. He’ll face his former teammate Antony in a battle of revitalised talents.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: The midfielder scored in the semi-final second leg and has been a regular in Chelsea’s Conference League rotations, offering energy and creativity.
Tactical Preview
Real Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, typically deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on quick counter-attacks led by wingers Antony and Abde Ezzalzouli. Their attacking system relies on the wingers’ advanced positioning to exploit spaces behind defenders, with Isco orchestrating play. Pellegrini may switch to a 4-4-2 to protect a lead, sacrificing some attacking flair for defensive stability, but this risks limiting Antony and Ezzalzouli’s impact. Betis’ recent form (DLDDDW, latest: 1-1 vs Valencia) suggests inconsistency, but their knockout wins over strong sides like Fiorentina show resilience.
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, also favour a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, emphasising possession and fluid attacking moves, inspired by Maresca’s time under Pep Guardiola. The Blues’ 38 Conference League goals, a competition record, highlight their attacking prowess, with 16 different scorers showcasing squad depth. Maresca is likely to rotate, with Filip Jørgensen in goal and players like Malo Gusto and Trevoh Chalobah starting, but the core of Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho, and Nicolas Jackson ensures quality. Chelsea’s form (WWLWWW, latest: 1-0 vs Nottingham Forest) is strong, and their defensive record (five goals conceded in the league phase) is formidable.
The tactical battle between Maresca and Pellegrini adds intrigue. Maresca, who played under Pellegrini at Málaga (2011-12) and was his assistant at West Ham (2018-19), calls the Chilean his “professional dad.” Pellegrini’s experience in English football, including a Premier League title with Manchester City (2013/14), contrasts with Maresca’s modern, possession-based approach. Maresca’s familiarity with Pellegrini’s methods could give Chelsea an edge, but Betis’ counter-attacking threat could exploit any defensive lapses.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
Chelsea and Real Betis have met four times previously:
1997/98 Cup Winners’ Cup Quarter-Finals: Chelsea won 5-2 on aggregate (2-1 away, 3-1 home), with Tore André Flo scoring twice in Seville and Roberto Di Matteo and Gianfranco Zola among the scorers at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea went on to win the trophy.
2005/06 Champions League Group Stage: Chelsea won 4-0 at home (goals from Didier Drogba, Ricardo Carvalho, Joe Cole, and Hernán Crespo), but Betis won 1-0 in Seville (Dani).
Overall: Chelsea have won three of four meetings, with Betis’ sole victory coming in 2005.
Spanish clubs have dominated English sides in recent UEFA finals, winning all nine since Liverpool’s 2001 UEFA Cup triumph over Alavés (5-4). Since 2001/02, Spanish teams have won all 23 Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League finals they’ve contested, including four all-Spanish finals. This gives Betis a statistical edge, though Chelsea’s European pedigree (12 major UEFA trophies) makes them favourites.
Form Guide and Predictions
Real Betis Form (all competitions): DLDDDW (Latest: 1-1 vs Valencia, La Liga, 23/05/25)
Chelsea Form (all competitions): WWLWWW (Latest: 1-0 vs Nottingham Forest, Premier League, 25/05/25)
Opta Supercomputer Prediction: Chelsea have a 51.1% chance of winning in 90 minutes, Betis 25.4%, with a 23.5% chance of extra time or penalties.
Sports Mole Prediction: Chelsea to win 1-0, citing their stronger bench and defensive solidity.
The Playoffs Prediction: Chelsea to win 2-1, highlighting their attacking depth.
Betis’ attacking trio of Bakambu, Antony, and Isco could trouble Chelsea, especially given their 11-game run of both teams scoring. However, Chelsea’s depth, goal-scoring record, and Maresca’s tactical nous make them favourites. The Blues’ ability to call on substitutes like Cole Palmer could prove decisive in extra time.
Key Storylines
Antony vs Sancho: Both wingers, on loan from Manchester United, have rediscovered their form. Antony’s seven goal involvements (four goals, three assists) for Betis and Sancho’s contributions for Chelsea set up a compelling duel.
Pellegrini vs Maresca: The master-apprentice dynamic adds spice, with Maresca’s past under Pellegrini at Málaga and West Ham informing his approach. Maresca’s quip about Betis fans disliking him from his Sevilla days (he scored in a 2005 derby win) adds a personal edge.
Betis’ Extra Rest: La Liga moved Betis’ final match to Friday, giving them two extra days to prepare compared to Chelsea’s Sunday game. Maresca called this “not normal,” arguing it gives Betis an unfair advantage.
Historical Weight: Chelsea aim to complete their European collection, while Betis seek to continue Spain’s dominance in UEFA finals and etch their name in history.
Conclusion
This Conference League final promises a fascinating clash of styles, with Betis’ counter-attacking flair meeting Chelsea’s possession-based dominance. While Betis carry the hopes of Seville and a proud Spanish record, Chelsea’s depth and experience make them favourites. Expect a tight, high-energy match, potentially decided by a moment of brilliance from stars like Isco, Antony, or Jackson—or a tactical masterstroke from Maresca or Pellegrini.
