Chelsea and Real Betis final will meet in the UEFA Europa Conference League final on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, in Wrocław, Poland. The Blues are heavy favourites – they have won every group game and dominated the knockout rounds – and a victory would add a rare European trophy to their cabinet (Chelsea have already won two Champions Leagues and two Europa Leagues).

Real Betis, by contrast, are contesting their first-ever European final, having navigated a dramatic semi-final 4-3 aggregate win over Fiorentina to reach this point. This preview examines each side’s form, tactics, and key players before offering a match prediction with the UEFA Conference League.

Road to the Final

• Chelsea’s Route: The Blues have cruised to the final. After topping their group with six wins, Chelsea eliminated FC Copenhagen 3-1 on aggregate in the last 16, then beat Legia Warsaw 4-2 overall in the quarter-finals, and thumped Djurgårdens IF 5-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals. Offensively, they have been clinical – for example, in the first leg of the semi-final, they won 4-1 away with goals from Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, and a Nicolas Jackson brace. Maresca’s side enters this match unbeaten in the Conference League and has the standout record in the competition.
• Real Betis’s Route: Betis finished second in their group (10 points) and then won four knockout ties to reach the final. They beat Gent 3-1 on aggregate, dispatched Vitoria Guimarães 6-2 on aggregate, and won 3-1 on aggregate against Jagiellonia Białystok. The semi-final against Fiorentina was thrilling: Betis won 2-1 at home (Antony free-kick) and went on to edge a 2-2 draw in Florence. Aitor Ruibal’s extra-time goal (via Abdessamad Ezzalzouli’s assist) sealed a 4-3 aggregate victory. Throughout this run, Betis have shown attacking verve and grit, qualities they will carry into the final.

Season Form and Context

Both clubs have enjoyed solid domestic seasons. Chelsea finished 5th in the Premier League with 66 points, just outside the top four, while Real Betis finished 6th in La Liga with 59 points. Maresca’s Chelsea narrowly missed Champions League qualification and have prioritized silverware, whereas Pellegrini’s Betis also narrowly missed La Liga’s top-five cut (5th place). In head-to-head history, the teams have met twice before: Chelsea won 4-0 at home in 2005, and Betis famously won 1-0 at home in the return fixture of that 2005/06 Champions League group. Overall, Chelsea’s European pedigree and current form make them favourites, but Betis have momentum and enthusiasm from a long European run.

Tactical Analysis

Chelsea’s Tactics

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have played a fluid style. In possession they often set up in an offensive 3-2-2-3 shape, with two attacking midfielders (No.10s) supporting the front line. Cole Palmer and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have functioned as creative No.10s, searching for pockets of space between the lines. The wing-backs (Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella) push high to overload on the flanks. Out of possession, Chelsea have shifted to a 4-4-2 block (e.g. wing-backs drop into a back four). In one analysis of a semifinal, a diamond midfield from the opposition could exploit the vacated central area, so Maresca responded by switching at half-time to a 4-1-4-1 press, with Reece James as the lone defensive midfielder. This change paid off immediately (James scored early in the second half in that game). In general, Chelsea’s strengths lie in their midfield creativity and direct attacking. Weaknesses can include susceptibility to well-placed long passes or diamond midfields (as opponents tried against Copenhagen).

Chelsea Tactical Strengths: Two attacking midfielders providing creativity, overlapping wing-backs, strong finishers (e.g. Jackson, Madueke).
Chelsea Tactical Weaknesses: Can be exposed by central overloads or aerial set-pieces; needs quick transitions to avoid opponents’ mid-block.

Real Betis’ Tactics

Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis are built on combination play and attacking ambition. Typically lining up in a 4-2-3-1, Betis rely on quick interplay between creative midfielders (Isco, Lo Celso, Fornals) and dynamic wingers/forwards (Antony, Ezzalzouli, Ruibal). In the Fiorentina semi-final, Betis displayed “constant goal threat with attacking verve, combination play and rapid transitions”. Antony (on loan from Manchester United) has been a key figure – UEFA analysts noted his “swift, intelligent and direct running” and deadly finishing on set-pieces. Isco’s vision and Ruibal’s energy also support Betis’ fluid attacks. Defensively, Betis often pressed high; at times they played 4-4-2 off the ball to squeeze midfield space. They do, however, have vulnerabilities. Against Fiorentina, Betis struggled with opposition build-up and aerial set-pieces. The team had 10 shots on target and a higher xG (2.72 vs 1.89) in that semi-final, showing their offensive punch.

Betis Tactical Strengths: Energetic attacking unit, lethal in transition (Ezzalzouli’s extra-time goal is an example); creativity through Antony/Isco; effective substitutions kept tempo high.
Betis Tactical Weaknesses: Susceptible to crosses and long balls (aerial duels), and relies on all-round defending from players (long balls from deep can catch them).

Key Players to Watch

• Chelsea – Filip Jørgensen (GK): The backup keeper has been ineligible for Premier League games, but will start here after playing every Conference League match. His performance will be crucial.
• Chelsea – Reece James (DM/RB): The captain is playing out of his usual position as a holding midfielder; he scored a key goal in the semis. His experience and leadership are vital.
• Chelsea – Cole Palmer (MF): One of the two creative No.10s in Maresca’s system. Palmer’s vision and dribbling will be important in unlocking Betis’ defense.
• Chelsea – Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (MF): The other No.10, known for incisive passes; Maresca has praised him for being “perfect” for his system.
• Chelsea – Nicolas Jackson (FW): The young striker scored a brace in the first leg vs Djurgårdens. His aerial ability and finishing will be a threat.
• Real Betis – Antony (FW): The Brazilian loanee has been sensational, scoring spectacular goals (free-kick vs Fiorentina) and running tirelessly. He will look to trouble Chelsea’s defense.
• Real Betis – Isco (MF): Betis’ creative hub in midfield. His passing and set-piece delivery create chances for others.
• Real Betis – Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (FW): The Moroccan winger scored the late winner in the semi-final. His movement and finishing make him a danger in transition.
• Real Betis – Marc Bartra (CB): A veteran of big games, Bartra will marshal the defense. His experience in Europe is invaluable.
• Real Betis – Pablo Fornals / Giovani Lo Celso (MF): Both can control the tempo in midfield. Lo Celso in particular won’t need motivation for a big final.
• Real Betis – Youssouf Sabaly (RB): Normally a key attacking full-back, but he suffered a left shoulder sprain recently. His availability is doubtful, so others (Cardoso/Monreal) may start.

Several Betis starters are injured: defender Diego Llorente and midfielder Marc Roca are already ruled out, as are Hector Bellerín and Chimy Ávila. Sabaly’s injury casts doubt on the right-back spot. Chelsea, by contrast, have few absences; Wesley Fofana is long-term injured and midfielder Christopher Nkunku is reportedly just returning to training. Maresca has confirmed he will start backup keeper Jørgensen for continuity.

Chelsea Lineup (Expected)

Enzo Maresca has not confirmed his final lineup, but he indicated Filip Jørgensen will start in goal after playing every game in the Conference League. A plausible formation is 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1. Likely picks include Reece James (shielding midfield or at right-back), Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto as attacking full-backs, Cole Palmer and Dewsbury-Hall in midfield creation roles, and Noni Madueke (or Jadon Sancho) partnering Nicolas Jackson up front. Maresca may rotate heavily in preparation (as he did when up 4-1 on aggregate), but the core attack-focused players are expected to feature.

Real Betis Tactics and Lineup

Manuel Pellegrini is expected to field his customary 4-2-3-1. With Sabaly and Llorente out, Betis might start Adrán San Miguel in goal (reserve goalkeeper) and use full-backs like Cardoso or Ludwig Augustinsson. In midfield, Lo Celso and Fornals will vie for creative roles, supported by Isco. Antony and Aitor Ruibal should start in wide attacking positions, with Cucho Hernández or an available forward (Chimy Avila is injured) leading the line. Betis will aim to press Chelsea high and exploit spaces with quick passes. However, they will need to guard against Chelsea’s powerful wing-play and get numbers back on crosses. Last-minute adjustments from substitutions have been a Betis hallmark; players like Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Ruibal have delivered crucial goals from the bench.

Match Prediction

Chelsea enter this final as clear favourites. Their depth and experience in European finals is significant – Chelsea have reached eight European finals under this ownership and won six of the previous seven. Real Betis are underdogs but bring momentum and confidence after a historic run to their first final. Tactically, Chelsea’s potent attack (Jackson, Palmer, Sancho, Madueke) looks capable of breaking down Betis’s defense, while Betis will hit on transitions through Antony and Bakambu. Both teams have attacking strengths: Betis have scored first in each of their last six Conference League games, and Chelsea have a strong goal threat of their own.

On balance, we predict a narrow Chelsea win (e.g. 2-1). Chelsea’s quality should secure victory, but Betis are likely to get on the scoresheet. Key factors include Chelsea’s use of Jørgensen in goal, their midfield control via Palmer and Dewsbury-Hall, and Betis’ hunger to make history. A Chelsea triumph would also complete an unprecedented triple (Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League titles for one club).

UEFA Conference League Prediction Tips

• Chelsea to win (Straight Win): The bookmakers’ odds favour Chelsea. They have been the strongest team in the competition, and history favours them (Chelsea won 4-0 in their only home meeting with Betis).
• Betis to Score First: Real Betis have scored the opening goal in their past six Conference League games. One angle is to back Betis to score first (7/4 with some firms). They play with attacking intent and often start fast.
• Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Given both sides’ offensive quality and vulnerabilities, it is likely that both teams will score. Betis have proven they can break down good sides (e.g., Fiorentina and the previous meeting with Chelsea), and Chelsea have conceded goals when probing teams (Chelsea let in 5 over 8 knockout games). A BTTS bet is plausible.
• Over 2.5 Goals: The teams have combined for high-scoring ties in this season. Chelsea’s aggregate wins (e.g., 5-1 and 5-1) and Betis’s 4-3 semi-final suggest plenty of goals. Over 2.5 goals is a reasonable tip.
• Key Player Impact – Bakambu to Score or Assist: Cedric Bakambu has been directly involved in nine Conference League goals (7 goals, 2 assists) – one of the highest in the tournament. Bet on Betis to get at least one goal through him or another attacker like Antony or Ezzalzouli.
• UEFA Conference League Insight: Chelsea’s consistent results make them a strong bet for the win. However, consider that Betis also ended the season on a positive run. Hedging with “Chelsea win or draw” (double chance) might yield better odds, or playing both teams to score, given their attacking tendencies.

Prediction: Chelsea 2–1 Real Betis (Chelsea win, Betis to score)