The 2025 UEFA Conference League Final will take place on Wednesday, May 28, at Stadion Wroclaw in Wroclaw, Poland, with kick-off set for 8:00 pm BST (9:00 pm local time). The 2025 final features Real Betis and Chelsea, two clubs with contrasting histories when it comes to European club competitions. For Betis, it’s their first-ever European final, marking a significant milestone in the club’s history. Chelsea, on the other hand, will be looking to complete their collection of European trophies by adding the Conference League to their cabinet. The winner of the Conference League will secure a league phase spot in the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League, unless they have already qualified for Europe through domestic league performance.
Real Betis’s Journey to the Final
Real Betis’ historic run to the Conference League Final marks their first appearance in a European final in the club’s 118-year history. Under the guidance of manager Manuel Pellegrini, Betis entered the knockout round play-offs after finishing 15th in the league phase. They defeated Belgian outfit Gent 3-1 on aggregate to advance to the Round of 16.
In the Round of 16, Betis encountered and dispatched of Portuguese club Vitoria de Guimaraes. They were too much for their opponents offensively, winning 6-2 on aggregate. The quarter-finals were pretty straightforward too, with Betis overcoming Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok 3-1 on aggregate.
The real test of Betis’ resolve arrived in the semi-finals, with Fiorentina being the team they needed to get past to make the final. Betis secured a 2-1 win at home before a thrilling return leg which ended 2-2 on the night, and 4-3 in Betis’ favour on aggregate.
How Chelsea Made the Final
While Chelsea are always aiming to play in Europe’s top club competition, the UEFA Champions League, they had to settle for the Conference League in 2024/25. They came into the Conference League as one of the favourites to win due to their past glories in Europe, which is why they start as favourites in Real Betis vs Chelsea.
Chelsea’s journey to the final has been relatively straightforward. In the Round of 16, they came up against FC Copenhagen, who they defeated 2-1 away from home and 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. Next up was Legia Warsaw of Poland in the quarter-finals, with Chelsea essentially getting the job done in the first leg away from home when they triumphed 3-0. They lost the return leg at Stamford Bridge 2-1, but it did not affect the overall outcome.
Then, standing in Chelsea’s way of making the final was Djurgarden. Things couldn’t have gone much better when The Blues won 4-1 away from home. They edged the Swedish outfit out 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to secure a 5-1 aggregate win and a place in the Conference League Final.
The Tactical Battle
In Poland, two very different teams will go head-to-head in the final, but who will come out on top? Could tactics be the deciding factor?
Real Betis’ Tactical Approach
Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis side is characterised by the emphasis placed on technical proficiency and offensive fluidity. The midfield trio, often featuring Johnny Cardoso and Isco, orchestrates play with control and creativity. Cardoso’s emergence has been particularly noteworthy, with his influence continuing to grow with each game.
In attack, the loan signing of Anthony from Manchester United has proven to be a masterstroke. His contributions, which include goals and assists, as demonstrated in the semi-final, have been instrumental in Betis progressing. Abde Ezzalzouli’s pace and ability to exploit space further enhance what Betis can do in the final third.
Chelsea’s Tactical Approach
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea employ a possession-based system, drawing inspiration from Pep Guardiola’s philosophy. The tactical setup often involves inverted full-backs, with Moises Caicedo currently operating as right-back and transitioning into midfield to facilitate ball progression.
The double pivot and the number ten, often Cole Palmer, are responsible for bringing everything together. The two players stationed in front of the back four are there to provide defensive cover and to get the ball moving forward, while Palmer is the creative spark. When it works for Chelsea, it works well, which is why football betting online often favours them in matches.
What to Expect
While Chelsea do come into the Conference League Final as the odds-on favourites to win, this could be because they’ve been there and done it on bigger European stages in the past. They’ve shown they can make it to finals and get the job done, whereas Betis haven’t as yet.
However, this doesn’t mean that Betis can’t challenge to win the final. While everyone will talk about their midfield trio being integral to what Pellegrini’s side can do, it’s players like on-loan Anthony who can make the difference, as proven since he joined the club in the winter transfer window.
In finals, it’s sometimes players who are match-winners that prove decisive, and Anthony will be coming up against a team he knows and has experience playing against. Out wide, Betis have quality, and Chelsea have proven to be vulnerable in the second half of the season.
For Chelsea, nothing less than winning the final will do. They’re in another transition period under Enzo Maresca, with the Blues manager determined his team should play the way he intends, regardless of what’s happening.
Chelsea have the quality, a lot of money has been invested into the playing squad in the last several seasons, and when they get it right on the pitch, they can defeat anyone. However, being wedded to Maresca’s style can see them get caught out, and not only will this give Betis a chance, but it means the game will ebb and flow, making in-play betting worth keeping an eye on during these periods.
Final Thoughts
What an occasion the Conference League Final will be for Real Betis; their first ever European final in club history. With Manuel Pellegrini leading them from the dugout, they have a man who has been there and done it, and he and Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca also interestingly share a Manchester City connection.
For Chelsea, qualifying for the Champions League by finishing in the Premier League’s top five has been the priority this season. But with a chance to win a trophy and get things moving in the right direction, the Conference League is of huge importance too. It’s also a chance for Maresca to get off to an excellent start in his first season as manager.
How this one plays out in Poland is anyone’s guess, as both teams have players who can make the difference on the night. BetVictor sports betting has you covered before and during the final, and right now, everything points towards Chelsea being the likely winners. However, could on-loan Manchester United winger Anthony, who The Blues considered making a bid for, throw a cat amongst the pigeons and make the difference. What a story that would be.
