Real Betis vs Chelsea: Conference League final preview, predictions
Chelsea’s midfielder, Cole Palmer (left) with Real Betis loanee, Antony (right). Photo Credit- Facebook
The Stadion Wrocław in Poland hosts the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday, May 28, at 8:00 PM (GMT), will see Real Betis face-off against Chelsea ina historic clash. Enzo Maresca’s Blues, fresh off securing fourth place in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, aim to become the first club to win all five major UEFA men’s competitions. Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis, in their first-ever European final, ride a wave of La Liga consistency and the flair of Isco to challenge for their first continental trophy. With Chelsea’s 38 goals making them the competition’s top scorers and Betis’ extra preparation time stirring debate, this final promises tactical intrigue and high stakes. This piece is set to explore and analyze performances, tactics, team news, head-to-head statistics, and predict scorelines.
Chelsea performance
Chelsea, fourth in the Premier League with 68 points from 38 matches, clinched Champions League qualification with a 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest on May 25, thanks to Levi Colwill’s header. Their Conference League campaign has been near-flawless, with 11 wins and 1 draw in 14 matches, scoring 38 goals and conceding 10. A 3-0 first-leg quarter-final win at Legia Warsaw and a 4-1 semi-final thrashing of Djurgarden highlight their dominance, despite a 2-1 home loss to Legia. Chelsea’s 1.8 xG and 62.5% possession average underscore their attacking potency, though their away form; four losses in their last six league games, raises concerns. Their 10 set-piece goals could exploit Betis’ defensive frailties.
Chelsea’s tactics
Maresca’s 4-2-3-1, inspired by his time under Pep Guardiola, prioritizes possession and a high press. Cole Palmer is the creative heartbeat, often drifting from the right or No. 10 role, while Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke stretch defenses. Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia anchor midfield, with Reece James’ potential midfield role adding style. Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah fortify the backline, though Marc Cucurella’s inverting role risks counters. Maresca’s rotations; Tyrique George and Mathis Amougou vs Djurgarden was to preserve the squad.
Chelsea’s team news and injuries
Chelsea are hampered by injuries, forcing Maresca to rely on Palmer or Madueke as a false nine. Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu, back in training post-Knee and shoulder injuries, are doubtful, with Maresca admitting that. Wesley Fofana (thigh), Aaron Anselmino, Omari Kellyman, and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspended) are out for the season. Filip Jorgensen, who started 13 of 14 Conference League games, will likely be in goal, a “deserved” nod over Robert Sanchez. No further suspensions apply.
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Real Betis performance
Real Betis, sixth in La Liga with 56 points from 38 matches, have secured Europa League qualification and approach the final with no domestic pressure. Their Conference League run—8 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses in 16 matches saw them score 22 goals and concede 15. A 2-1 knockout play-off win over Dinamo Zagreb and a 3-2 semi-final aggregate victory against Fiorentina, with Antony free kick strike, highlight their resilience . Betis’ 1.2 xG and 51.8% possession reflect a balanced approach, but no clean sheets in 11 matches and 1.4 xGA expose defensive weakness. Their 7 set-piece goals face Chelsea’s 10.
Real Betis’ tactics
Pellegrini’s 4-2-3-1 emphasizes fluidity, with Isco and Antony (on loan from Manchester United) as the creative hub. Cedric Bakambu leads the line, supported by Pablo Fornals and Antony. Marc Roca and Johnny Cardoso provide midfield stability, while Aitor Ruibal and Youssouf Sabaly stretch as wing-backs. Diego Llorente and Natan’s centre-back pairing concedes 1.19 goals per game. Pellegrini’s “front-foot” promise, risks Chelsea’s press but leverages Isco’s trophy-winning experience from Real Madrid.
Real Betis team news and injuries
Betis are near full strength, with no suspensions. Hector Bellerin (hamstring) is doubtful, with Ruibal likely coming to handle that position. German Pezzella (shoulder) is expected to return, bolstering the backline. Isco, Bakambu, and Fornals are fit, with Antony’s pace a threat. Pellegrini’s 48-hour rest advantage as Betis played Valencia on Friday, May 23, while Chelsea’s Sunday game has sparked tension for Maresca side.
Real Betis vs Chelsea head-to-head statistics
Chelsea and Real Betis have never faced each other in competitive football, making this final a blank slate. Their only historical link is Maresca’s four seasons as a Sevilla player (2005–09), where he scored against Betis in a 2005 derby, a rivalry that could be Betis’ motivation. Chelsea’s 8 UEFA trophies (2 Champions League, 2 Europa League, 2 Cup Winners’ Cup, 2 Super Cup) is unmatched with Betis’ zero, but Spain’s 23 consecutive UEFA final wins since 2001 (excluding all-Spanish ties) give Betis a historical backing.
Real Betis vs Chelsea predictions
Chelsea are clear favourites, Maresca’s possession-based 4-2-3-1 and Palmer’s form overpower Betis’ 51.8% average possession and no clean sheets in 11. However, Nkunku’s doubt weaken Chelsea’s attack, while Betis’ rest advantage 48 hours more could keep them fresher. Expect Isco and Antony’s threat.
Betis’ strong approach, led by Isco’s creativity and Bakambu’s goals, could exploit Chelsea’s away struggles, but their defensive weakness faces Chelsea’s 2.71 goals per game, according to Opta Analyst. Pellegrini’s experience, a Premier League title with Manchester City in 2014 matches Maresca’s dynamic, but Chelsea’s depth and European pedigree gives them an edge while Spain’s UEFA final streak adds intrigue.
