Real Betis vs. Chelsea: The Story of UEFA Conference League Final 2025

A night of European football history awaits as Real Betis Balompié and Chelsea FC battle for the UEFA Conference League Final 2025 at Stadion Wrocław in Poland. For Betis, this marks a monumental milestone—their first-ever European final, a dream come true for the Andalusian club. Chelsea, on the other hand, seeks to add the Conference League title to their Champions League and Europa League triumphs, completing a rare continental treble. This blog explores the journey that brought both teams to this grand occasion, their storied pasts, the key players set to shine, the tactical masterminds behind their strategies, and every compelling detail that makes this final one for the ages.

The Road to Wrocław: A Tale of Grit and Glory

Real Betis, the pride of Seville, have defied expectations to reach their maiden European final. Their 2024-25 Conference League campaign was a rollercoaster, starting with a 15th-place finish in the group stage, which forced them into the knockout round play-offs. From there, Betis showcased resilience, defeating Gent (3-1 aggregate), Vitória Guimarães, and Jagiellonia Białystok. Their quarter-final triumph over Jagiellonia was highlighted by Cédric Bakambu’s clinical finishing, securing a first-ever European semi-final berth. The semi-final against Fiorentina was a thriller. Betis edged a 2-1 first-leg win in Seville, with goals from Abde Ezzalzouli and Manchester United loanee Antony. In the second leg, a 2-2 draw pushed the tie to extra time, where Ezzalzouli’s 97th-minute strike sealed a 4-3 aggregate victory, sparking wild celebrations among the Béticos.

Chelsea, entering the Conference League in their debut season, were the competition’s juggernaut. Under Enzo Maresca, the Blues went unbeaten in the group stage, winning all six matches and scoring a tournament-high 38 goals. Their knockout journey was equally commanding, starting with a 6-2 aggregate rout of FC Copenhagen in the Round of 16. In the quarter-finals, Chelsea overcame Legia Warsaw despite a rare 1-0 home loss, thanks to a 3-0 first-leg lead. The semi-final against Djurgårdens IF was a formality, with a 5-1 aggregate victory, capped by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s goal in a 1-0 second-leg win at Stamford Bridge.

Tradition Meets Ambition

Founded in 1907, Real Betis Balompié is a club steeped in passion and resilience. Known as Los Verdiblancos (The Green-Whites), they play at the 60,721-capacity Estadio Benito Villamarín, where their fans create an electric atmosphere. Betis’ sole La Liga title came in 1935 under Irish coach Patrick O’Connell, and they’ve won the Copa del Rey three times (1977, 2005, 2022). Despite a turbulent history marked by relegations, their motto, ¡Viva el Betis manque pierda! (“Long live Betis even if they lose!”), embodies their unwavering spirit. This final marks Betis’ first shot at European silverware, a dream decades in the making. Their recent consistency under Manuel Pellegrini, including three straight Europa League qualifications (2021-23) and a seventh-place La Liga finish in 2023-24, set the stage for this historic run.

Chelsea, founded in 1905, are one of Europe’s elite clubs. With two Champions League titles (2012, 2021), two Europa League crowns (2013, 2019), and a host of domestic honors, the Blues have a trophy cabinet that sparkles. Their 1998 Cup Winners’ Cup triumph included a quarter-final victory over Betis, a tie sealed by Tore André Flo’s brace in Seville. Chelsea’s Conference League campaign is a chance to become the first club to win all three major UEFA competitions (Champions League, Europa League, Conference League). Despite a transitional post-Abramovich era, their 2024-25 season under Maresca has shown promise, blending youth and experience in pursuit of silverware.

Game-Changers on Both Sides

Real Betis

Cédric Bakambu (Striker): The 34-year-old Congolese forward is a Conference League standout, scoring seven goals and adding two assists this season. His movement and finishing will test Chelsea’s defense.
Antony (Winger): Revitalized on loan from Manchester United, the Brazilian’s flair shone in the semi-final, scoring and assisting against Fiorentina. His duel with Chelsea’s full-backs will be electric.
Isco (Midfielder): The 33-year-old playmaker, a four-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, brings creativity and composure. His vision could unlock Chelsea’s midfield.
Abde Ezzalzouli (Winger): The Moroccan’s extra-time heroics against Fiorentina highlight his knack for big moments. His pace and dribbling will challenge Chelsea’s backline.

Chelsea FC

Cole Palmer (Attacking Midfielder): The young Englishman has been a revelation, driving Chelsea’s attack with goals and assists. His ability to create from tight spaces makes him a constant threat.
Jadon Sancho (Winger): On loan from Manchester United, Sancho’s resurgence mirrors Antony’s, setting up a fascinating “United rejects” subplot. His trickery and decision-making are key.
Marc Cucurella (Left-Back): The Spaniard’s defensive tenacity and overlapping runs have been vital in Chelsea’s knockout stages. He’ll face a stern test against Betis’ wingers.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Midfielder): The former Leicester man has found his stride, scoring crucial goals, including in the semi-final. His energy in midfield will be pivotal.

Strategic Brilliance: Pellegrini and Maresca

Manuel Pellegrini (Real Betis)
The 71-year-old Chilean, a Premier League winner with Manchester City in 2014, is a tactical sage. Known for his pragmatic yet attacking style, Pellegrini often deploys a 4-2-3-1, balancing defensive solidity with flair from players like Isco and Antony. Betis’ ability to switch between patient build-up and rapid counters, led by Bakambu’s runs, makes them dangerous. Pellegrini’s experience in England, including his stint at West Ham with Maresca as his assistant, gives him insight into Chelsea’s setup. His focus remains dual: win the final while chasing a Champions League spot in La Liga, where Betis sit sixth, one point off fifth.

Enzo Maresca (Chelsea)
At 45, Maresca is a rising star in coaching. A disciple of Pep Guardiola, he favors a possession-based 4-3-3, emphasizing control and quick transitions. Chelsea’s 38 goals in the Conference League reflect their attacking prowess, driven by Palmer and Sancho. Maresca’s bold squad rotations, including adding 16-year-old Mathis Amougou to the knockout roster, highlight his trust in youth. His time under Pellegrini at West Ham adds a personal layer to this duel, but his focus is clear: deliver Chelsea’s first trophy since 2021.

Why Conference League Final 2025 Is Unmissable

Historic Stakes: Betis chase their first European trophy, while Chelsea aim to make history as the first club to win all three UEFA competitions.
United Castoffs Clash: Antony (Betis) and Jadon Sancho (Chelsea), both revitalized after Manchester United struggles, add a narrative twist.
Pellegrini vs. Maresca: The mentor-apprentice dynamic, with Maresca’s Guardiola-inspired tactics facing Pellegrini’s seasoned pragmatism, is compelling.
Fan Passion: Betis’ Béticos will bring Seville’s fervor to Wrocław, matched by Chelsea’s global fanbase. The atmosphere will be electric.
Special Kit: Betis unveiled a bespoke Hummel shirt for the final, featuring green-and-white stripes and UECL patches, symbolizing their historic moment.

Prediction: A Tight Affair

Chelsea head into the 2025 UEFA Conference League Final as favorites, powered by their tournament-leading 38 goals and an unbeaten group stage. Yet, Real Betis are no underdogs to dismiss. With seasoned stars like Isco orchestrating play and Cédric Bakambu’s lethal finishing, Betis have proven they thrive in clutch moments. Their counter-attacking flair could exploit Chelsea’s high line, setting the stage for a tense battle.

Expect a final brimming with drama, skill, and heart. Chelsea’s attacking depth, led by Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho, may give them a slight edge, but Betis’ passion and tactical nous under Manuel Pellegrini will keep it close. This could go down to the wire—perhaps even extra time or penalties.

Don’t miss Conference League Final 2025, Be part of the electric atmosphere at Stadion Wrocław on May 28, 2025. With ticket demand skyrocketing, secure your spot now at Reserve Section. Act fast to witness Betis’ fairy-tale run or Chelsea’s quest for European immortality!