Chelsea should get past Real Betis in Wednesday’s Conference League final, but don’t expect them to cruise through this one. The Spanish club brings genuine danger to Wroclaw, yet the Blues have too much class across their squad to blow this opportunity.
Betis Mean Business
Manuel Pellegrini’s boys rock up in Poland with zero pressure and maximum motivation. Their first European final ever – that’s the kind of occasion that produces upsets. Plus they’ve already locked up Europa League football next season, so there’s no stress about missing out on anything.
Antony has been absolutely electric since ditching Manchester United in January. Nine goals and five assists tell the story – this guy looks nothing like the player who struggled at Old Trafford. He bagged goals in both semi-final legs and will be licking his lips at the thought of facing Marc Cucurella.
Cédric Bakambu up front brings serious pedigree with seven Conference League strikes this season. Only one player scored more in the entire competition, which shows you what a proper finisher the 34-year-old remains. Isco pulls the strings from midfield with four Champions League medals in his back pocket.
Here’s the thing about Betis – they haven’t kept a clean sheet in 11 games. Sounds terrible, right? But it also shows they’re not afraid to have a go. They’ve scored buckets throughout this European run.
Chelsea Hold All the Cards
The Blues have ridiculous depth everywhere you look. Maresca has used 36 different players in this competition – more than anyone else. That luxury means he can throw out a completely fresh team for the final.
Cole Palmer finally gets his Conference League debut after missing the earlier stages. His creativity and finishing give Chelsea something Betis haven’t dealt with all season. Nicolas Jackson comes back from suspension completely fresh for the big dance.
Filip Jorgensen gets the nod between the sticks after playing nearly every match. The Danish keeper has been solid throughout and earns his shot at glory. His passing fits Maresca’s style better than Robert Sanchez anyway.
Chelsea’s Premier League experience shows when things get tight. They’ve handled hostile crowds at places like Legia Warsaw without breaking sweat. That mental toughness matters in finals.
How This Plays Out
Pellegrini won’t park the bus despite facing better opponents. Betis will press high and look for quick counters – exactly what got them here. Problem is, that leaves gaps for Chelsea’s technical players to exploit.
Maresca’s possession game should gradually grind down Betis’ energy levels. The Italian studied under Pep Guardiola and builds teams that strangle opponents with the ball. Once Chelsea find their rhythm, they typically break teams down.
The flanks decide this match. Antony against Cucurella gives Betis their best shot at causing problems. Meanwhile, Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke should stretch their defense thin.
Late Drama Incoming
This has upset written all over the early stages. Betis will fly out the blocks, riding the emotion of their historic moment. They might even nick the opener to really shake things up.
But finals reward experience and squad depth over heart and passion. Chelsea’s bench looks miles stronger than what Pellegrini can offer. Fresh legs in the final 20 minutes usually make the difference.
Expect something around the 75th minute to settle this. Jackson’s pace behind the defense or Palmer’s magic moment breaks tired legs. Set pieces could be huge given both teams’ aerial threats.
Final call: Real Betis 0-1 Chelsea
The Blues have too much quality spread across their squad. Betis will scrap and fight, but they lack the depth to go 90 minutes with such a talented opponent. Chelsea nicks a tight one and completes their European trophy collection.
