The 2024-25 UEFA Conference League reaches its climax on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, as Real Betis and Chelsea face off in Wrocław, Poland, for European glory. This final represents a historic opportunity for both clubs, with Real Betis seeking their first-ever European trophy while Chelsea aims to complete an unprecedented collection of all major UEFA club competitions. The Stadion Wrocław will host this decisive encounter at 8:00 PM BST, where contrasting narratives of experience and ambition will collide.
Team Paths to the Final
Chelsea's Dominant Journey
Chelsea's route to the final has been nothing short of exceptional, establishing themselves as the competition's standout performers from the outset. The Blues finished top of the 36-team league phase with a perfect record of six wins from six matches, accumulating a remarkable +21 goal difference. Their dominance continued through the knockout stages, where they systematically dismantled Copenhagen, Legia Warsaw, and Djurgården with a combined +8 goal difference across six knockout fixtures.
The London club's attacking prowess has been the defining characteristic of their campaign, with 38 goals scored across 12 Conference League matches, averaging 3.17 goals per game. This tally represents eight more goals than their nearest rivals Fiorentina and 16 more than Real Betis, despite playing two fewer games than the Spanish side. Christopher Nkunku has emerged as Chelsea's leading scorer in the competition, while the team's tactical flexibility under Enzo Maresca has allowed them to rotate extensively while maintaining their high standards.
Real Betis' Resilient Campaign
Real Betis' journey to their first European final has been characterized by resilience and tactical evolution under Manuel Pellegrini. The Andalusian club finished 15th in the league phase with a modest record of three wins, one draw, and two defeats, accumulating just 10 points with a +1 goal difference. This underwhelming start required them to navigate the knockout round play-offs, where they defeated Gent 3-1 on aggregate.
However, Betis transformed their fortunes in the knockout stages, displaying remarkable improvement through increasingly difficult opponents. They overcame Vitória SC (6-2 aggregate), Jagiellonia Białystok (3-1 aggregate), and Fiorentina (4-3 aggregate after extra time) in a dramatic semi-final that showcased their mental fortitude. The semi-final victory was particularly impressive, with the team recovering from a 2-1 deficit in Florence to secure progression through Abde Ezzalzouli's extra-time winner.
Tactical Analysis and Key Players
Chelsea's Tactical Setup
Enzo Maresca has implemented a possession-based system reminiscent of his mentorship under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Italian coach typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes control and creative freedom for his attacking players. Filip Jörgensen is expected to start in goal, having been Chelsea's designated Conference League goalkeeper throughout the campaign. The defensive line will likely feature Reece James at right-back, with Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill forming the central partnership, and Marc Cucurella providing attacking width from left-back.
In midfield, the combination of Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández offers both defensive solidity and creative distribution. Fernández has been particularly influential in this competition, registering six goal contributions across five appearances (one goal, five assists) and demonstrating his ability to impact crucial moments. The attacking trio will likely consist of Cole Palmer in the central creative role, supported by wide forwards who can interchange positions fluidly throughout the match.
Real Betis' Transformation
Manuel Pellegrini's tactical approach has undergone significant evolution during the season, particularly following a transformative January transfer window. The acquisition of Antony on loan from Manchester United has revitalized their attacking dynamics, with the Brazilian contributing nine goals and five assists since his mid-season arrival. This attacking renaissance has been crucial to their European success, with Betis averaging 2.0 goals per game in La Liga since mid-February, trailing only Barcelona (2.5) in this metric.
The creative heartbeat of the team remains Isco, whose renaissance at age 33 has been remarkable. The former Real Madrid playmaker has scored nine La Liga goals this season and earned a recall to the Spanish national team after a five-year absence. His pass accuracy of 86.2% and superior possession control make him a constant threat to Chelsea's midfield structure. Pellegrini's system allows Isco the freedom to operate between the lines, creating space for the pace and directness of players like Antony and Cédric Bakambu.
Historical Context and Motivation
Real Betis' Historic Opportunity
This final represents an unprecedented opportunity for Real Betis, who are competing in their first European final in the club's 117-year history. The Seville-based club has won just four major trophies throughout their existence: one La Liga title in 1935 and three Copa del Rey trophies, with their most recent domestic success coming in 2022 under Pellegrini. The weight of history and the passionate support of their traveling fans could provide additional motivation, though it may also bring pressure to a squad unaccustomed to such high-stakes European occasions.
The club's European pedigree is limited, with their best previous Conference League performance being this season's run to the final. However, the presence of experienced players like Isco, who has won the UEFA Champions League five times with Real Madrid, and Pablo Fornals, who lifted the Conference League with West Ham in 2022/23, provides valuable leadership and big-game experience.
Chelsea's Quest for Completeness
Chelsea's motivation stems from the opportunity to achieve something no club has accomplished before: winning all four major UEFA club competitions. Having previously claimed the Champions League (2012, 2021), Europa League (2013, 2019), and the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1971, 1998), the Conference League represents the missing piece in their European collection. This historical significance adds weight to what might otherwise be considered a lesser trophy for a club of Chelsea's stature.
Enzo Maresca has emphasized the importance of maintaining winning mentality despite the club's young squad profile. At an average age that makes them the youngest squad in Premier League history, the Italian coach believes success in this final would validate their progress and maturity. The opportunity to secure silverware in Maresca's first season while also qualifying for the Champions League through their fourth-place Premier League finish would represent a highly successful campaign.
Recent Form and Momentum
Chelsea's Strong Finish
Chelsea enter the final in excellent form, having won seven of their last eight matches across all competitions. Their 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season secured Champions League qualification and demonstrated their ability to handle pressure situations. However, concerns exist regarding their away form, with the team struggling on the road throughout 2025, managing just modest returns compared to their dominant home record.
The Blues' attacking output has been impressive, with Cole Palmer recently ending a four-month goal drought and Nicolas Jackson providing consistent threat in the final third. The team's depth has been crucial during a demanding season, allowing Maresca to rotate while maintaining performance levels across multiple competitions.
Real Betis' Inconsistent Preparation
Real Betis approach the final with mixed recent form, winless in their previous five matches across all competitions. Their La Liga season concluded with a 4-1 defeat to Atlético Madrid, followed by draws against Rayo Vallecano (2-2) and Osasuna (1-1), plus a narrow loss to Espanyol (2-1). However, these results must be contextualized within their focus on the Conference League final and the natural fatigue accumulated through their extended European campaign.
The Spanish side's last 15 La Liga matches tell a more positive story, with nine victories and just two defeats. This sustained improvement since their January reinforcements suggests they possess the quality to trouble any opponent when fully focused. Their Conference League form specifically has been more encouraging, with the dramatic semi-final victory over Fiorentina demonstrating character and resilience under pressure.
Betting Insights and Market Analysis
Market Overview
The betting markets clearly favor Chelsea to lift the trophy, with odds of 1.44 (4/9) compared to Real Betis at 2.9 (19/10). This pricing reflects the market's assessment that Chelsea possess approximately a 69% chance of victory, while Betis are given a 35% chance. For the 90-minute result, Chelsea are priced at 1.9 (9/10), with Real Betis at 4.9 (19/5) and the draw at 3.6 (13/5).
These odds represent Chelsea as strong favorites but not overwhelming ones, suggesting bookmakers recognize Real Betis' potential to cause an upset. The pricing appears justified given Chelsea's superior squad depth, European experience, and dominant Conference League campaign. However, the historical unpredictability of finals and Betis' recent tactical improvements under Pellegrini provide legitimate reasons for their competitive pricing.
Goals Market Analysis
One of the most compelling betting angles focuses on the goals markets, with both teams demonstrating consistent attacking output throughout the competition. Over 2.5 Goals is priced at 1.98 (49/50), reflecting the attacking nature of both sides. Four of Chelsea's six knockout phase games have featured Over 2.5 Goals, while five of Real Betis' eight knockout matches have exceeded this threshold.
Both Teams to Score represents another attractive market at 1.86 (17/20), supported by compelling statistical evidence. Chelsea have scored in all six of their Conference League knockout fixtures, while Real Betis have found the net in seven of their eight knockout games. Perhaps most significantly, both teams have scored in 14 of Real Betis' last 15 fixtures across all competitions, stretching back to mid-March.
The historical context of Conference League finals suggests some caution with high-scoring predictions. Since the competition's inception in 2021, only one of the three finals has featured Over 2.5 Goals, though this represents a limited sample size. The unique pressure and tactical caution often associated with finals could potentially lead to a more conservative approach from both teams.
Player-Specific Markets
Individual player markets offer value for those seeking higher odds with strong statistical backing. Enzo Fernández to Score or Assist is priced at 3.0, representing excellent value given his tournament form. The Argentine midfielder has contributed six goals and assists across five Conference League appearances, demonstrating consistent involvement in Chelsea's attacking play. His advanced role under Maresca has significantly improved his output compared to the previous season.
Nicolas Jackson to Score at Any Time is available at 7/4, reflecting his role as Chelsea's primary striker and his consistent threat throughout the campaign. For Real Betis, Antony represents value in the anytime goalscorer market, having netted four goals in just eight Conference League appearances since his January arrival.
Recommended Betting Strategy
Primary Selection: Both Teams to Score (1.86)
- This selection is supported by overwhelming statistical evidence from both teams' recent performances and their attacking philosophies. Real Betis' record of both teams scoring in 14 of their last 15 matches provides the foundation for this recommendation. Chelsea's perfect scoring record in their Conference League knockout games, combined with their occasionally vulnerable defense, particularly away from home, supports the likelihood of conceding.
- This selection acknowledges Chelsea's overall quality advantage while recognizing Real Betis' attacking threat. The Spanish side's recent goal-scoring record and their successful navigation of tough knockout opponents suggest they possess the quality to find the net even against Chelsea's defense.
- With six goal contributions in five appearances, the Argentine's advanced positioning and big-game pedigree make him a strong candidate to influence the final outcome.
Conclusion
The UEFA Conference League final promises to deliver a fascinating tactical battle between two clubs with contrasting motivations and histories. Chelsea's quest to complete their European trophy collection faces Real Betis' dream of capturing their first continental honor. While Chelsea enters as deserved favorites, Real Betis possess the tactical discipline, individual quality, and emotional drive to cause a significant upset. Both Teams to Score remains the strongest value proposition in what should be an entertaining and high-stakes European finale.