By all accounts, the 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League final between Real Betis and Chelsea is not the game that either club would have circled at the start of their respective seasons.
Brimming with lofty ambitions and strong domestic traditions, both sides likely had their eyes on bigger stages. Yet, there’s a growing sense that the final on May 28 is more than just a consolation prise.
For Betis, it’s a shot at immortality – their first-ever European trophy. For Chelsea, it’s a chance to add a ninth piece of European silverware and complete a unique continental collection.
There’s still over a week until the showpiece, but UEFA Conference League final tickets are already in high demand on Seatsnet.com as both sides set out to make history in Wrocław.
A tale of two roads to the final
The paths these two clubs have taken to reach this stage have been very different in style and substance.
Chelsea have looked like the juggernaut they are in the Conference League.
Dominant, efficient, and clinical, the Blues have won 11 of their 12 games in the competition, racking up 38 goals — the most by any side this season.
Chelsea’s goal tally was eight more than their nearest rivals, Fiorentina, and 16 more than Betis (who played two more games, having made it to the round of 16 via the knockout round play-offs).
Their semi-final performance against Sweden’s Djurgardens IF was a brutal showcase of their firepower, running out 5-1 winners on aggregate.
While this tournament may not have the prestige of the Champions League or Europa League, Chelsea have approached it with the seriousness of a club accustomed to European success.
Meanwhile, Real Betis have gone about their route to the final the hard way.
They were forced to go through the knockout round play-offs after finishing 15th in the Conference League group phase and have battled through adversity and tough opponents.
Their headline success came in the penultimate game of the season, where they edged last season’s finalists Fiorentina 4-3 on aggregate in the semi-final.
It wasn’t always pretty, but it was passionate and determined — two words that define Betis’ ethos.
Real Betis dream of a maiden European crown
For Manuel Pellegrini and Betis, this final is the culmination of a vision that began years ago. The Chilean manager has quietly built a team with both flair and grit.
They may not have the financial muscle of La Liga’s giants, but Betis can boast a rich blend of experience, craft, and heart.
Cedric Bakambu also leads the line with confidence and has notched seven goals and two assists in the Conference League this season. Only Jagiellonia’s Afimico Pululu has scored more than the 34-year-old.
Betis also benefit from European winners in their ranks. Midfield magician Isco has rediscovered his best form in Seville.
As a four-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, the 33-year-old brings invaluable experience to a team full of players looking to etch their names in the history books.
Pablo Fornals has also been a reliable presence, having won the Conference League with West Ham United back in 2022/23.
Meanwhile, Natan has played more minutes than any other player in this season’s Conference League.
Then there’s Pellegrini himself, who is no stranger to English football or European nights. He won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2013/14 and is a former West Ham boss.
Pellegrini has close personal ties with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca. It remains to be seen how much of that relationship will work in his favour in Poland.
Chelsea looking to complete the set
Chelsea’s European pedigree and exceptional record in this competition make them strong favourites heading into the showpiece, so it’s no surprise that Conference League tickets are in high demand.
With two Champions League and Europa League titles apiece already in the cabinet, the Conference League gives them a chance to complete the set in Wroclaw.
The Blues are still a work in progress under Maresca’s leadership. But the Italian head coach has brought a solid structure, controlled positional football, and a tactical calmness to the team.
One of the final’s feel-good stories is that of goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
Signed from Villarreal last summer, the 23-year-old has largely been second-choice domestically but has started 13 of Chelsea’s 14 games in this competition.
With nine clean sheets across all competitions, including five in the Conference League, Jorgensen has earned Maresca’s trust for the final.
“Filip is going to play in the final,” Maresca confirmed. “He’s played all competition, it would be unfair to take him out now. It will be Filip plus 10 players – I’m not sure who else will play.
“For sure he deserves to play in the final.”
Maresca’s take on the schedule discrepancy
One controversy surrounding the final has been the difference in rest days between the two clubs.
Chelsea will finish their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a crunch game against Nottingham Forest that could determine their Champions League fate next season.
Meanwhile, Betis wrap up their La Liga season at home to Valencia two days earlier on Friday. That didn’t sit well with Maresca, who made his feelings known at a pre-match press conference.
“You cannot allow a team 48 hours more time when they are playing a European final,” he said.
“I don’t know if it’s the (responsibility of the) Premier League, La Liga or UEFA, but it is not normal to play a team who has had 48 hours more time than you.
“It is not correct. I don’t know who it is, but there should be rules, absolutely yes.” While the extra time might seem minimal, it could be significant at this level.
Fatigue, preparation time, and tactical tweaks all matter on such fine margins – and the Blues could find themselves at a slight disadvantage.
Head to Head
History slightly favours Chelsea in previous meetings between the two sides.
The two clubs first clashed in the 1997/98 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-finals, where Chelsea prevailed over two legs on their way to lifting the trophy.
A young Gianluca Vialli led the side, with goals from Tore Andre Flo, Frank Sinclair, Roberto Di Matteo, and Gianfranco Zola marking the tie.
The two sides were also paired in the 2005/06 Champions League group stage, where Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea thrashed Betis 4-0 at Stamford Bridge before losing 1-0 in Seville.
But history will play a minor role on May 28. This is a new Betis, full of belief, and a new Chelsea, trying to find an identity under Maresca.
