Both Chelsea and Real Betis want to end the season with a trophy. Unlike the Europa League final, which offers Champions League qualification, this one is just about the trophy, as both have already qualified for European football next season.
Match Preview
Chelsea are looking to win all four major UEFA trophies, having already won the Cup Winners’ Cup, the Champions League, and the Europa League. A win in Wroclaw would make them the first team to do so. The Blues come into the game after a strong finish to the Premier League season, finishing 4th and qualifying for the Champions League with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest. Enzo Maresca’s side have been dominant in the Conference League, winning 11 of their 12 matches proper and scoring a record 38 goals in the competition this season. Chelsea have used the tournament to rotate, with 16 different scorers and 36 players used, but will likely field a strong team for the final.
Real Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, are in their first-ever European final. The Andalusian club finished 6th in La Liga and made it to the final after a dramatic extra-time win over Fiorentina, sealed by a 97th-minute goal from Abde Ezzalzouli. Betis have not won in their last 5 matches and hope to make history by winning their first European trophy.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Real Betis
- Out: Hector Bellerin (hamstring), Marc Roca, Diego Llorente, Chimy Avila
- Doubt: Giovani Lo Celso (muscle), though he trained on Tuesday and could feature
- Boost: Youssouf Sabaly and Johnny Cardoso are likely available
- Likely XI (4-2-3-1): Adrian; Sabaly, Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez; Cardoso, Fornals; Antony, Isco, Ezzalzouli; Bakambu
Antony, on loan from Manchester United, has been impressive and will be key on the right wing. Isco will provide creativity in the advanced midfield role, while Cedric Bakambu, with 7 Conference League goals, leads the attack.
Chelsea* Out: Wesley Fofana (injury), Romeo Lavia (ineligible)
- Available: Nicolas Jackson (returns from suspension), Christopher Nkunku (fit again)
- Likely XI (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; James, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Filip Jorgensen will start in goal, with Reece James and Marc Cucurella as full-backs. Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho will support Nicolas Jackson in attack, with Moises Caicedo and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in midfield.
Stats
- This is the first time Chelsea and Real Betis have met since the 2005/06 Champions League group stage.
- Chelsea have won 7 of their last 8 matches in all competitions and 11 of 12 in the Conference League.
- Betis are winless in 5 games but have lost just once in 10.
- Chelsea have scored a record 38 goals in this Conference League.
- Spanish teams have won the last 9 major European finals against English opposition.
Player to Watch: Antony (Real Betis)
The Brazilian winger on loan from Manchester United has found his form in Spain and was key to Betis’ semi-final win over Fiorentina. He’ll want to make a big impact on the big stage and could be the difference if Betis are to win their first European trophy.
Real Betis vs Chelsea Prediction
Chelsea’s form, depth, and European experience make them favourites, but Betis’ motivation and Pellegrini’s know-how mean they can’t be ruled out. The Opta supercomputer gives Chelsea a 51.1% chance of winning in 90 minutes, and their attacking options will be the difference.
Real Betis 1-2 Chelsea
Chelsea will edge a tight final and complete the set of major UEFA trophies, while Betis will hope to make it a real contest in their first-ever European final.
Real Betis vs Chelsea Live Stream
Watch online via NaijaSport247
