Real Betis meet Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League final at Stadion Wrocław on Wednesday 28 May.
Chelsea, two-time Champions League winners and six-time English top-flight champions, are aiming for redemption in Europe's third-tier competition after a disappointing domestic season. Meanwhile, Real Betis, under the astute guidance of former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, are poised to make their first appearance in a major European final, having undergone a remarkable transformation.
Fueled by the dynamic play of Brazilian winger Antony and midfield maestro Isco, Real Betis are enjoying one of the most successful periods in their history. The club has finally broken free from the shadow of their city rivals, Sevilla—six-time Europa League champions—and established themselves as the dominant force in Andalusia. For a traditional club whose fervent supporters have celebrated just one La Liga title—90 years ago—and have only appeared in the Champions League once, three decades ago, reaching the Conference League final represents a dream come true.
In contrast, reaching the Conference League final may feel somewhat anticlimactic for Chelsea, who claimed the Champions League title just four years ago. The Blues secured qualification for the 2025-26 Champions League on the final day of the season with a crucial victory over Nottingham Forest on May 25.
With over one billion pounds invested in players by the club's U.S. ownership since 2022, coach Enzo Maresca faced immediate pressure in his first season at Stamford Bridge. A strong start saw Chelsea rise to second in the Premier League by December, but a mid-season slump—compounded by injuries to striker Nicolas Jackson and midfielder Romeo Lavia—threatened their top-five finish. However, they managed to regain momentum and secure a fourth-place finish.
Both teams will give their all for this championship. Antony, known for his explosive runs down the right flank, will be a key threat to Chelsea's defense, while the Blues will be aiming for a performance that not only justifies their significant investment but also provides much-needed silverware to ease the pressure on coach Enzo Maresca.
