The final of the UEFA Conference League takes place on Wednesday with Spanish side Real Betis, one of the most supported teams in Spain, with a fanbase wherever the Spanish diaspora can be found, taking on Chelsea, the pride of West London and one of the Premier League’s biggest spending and most decorated clubs. One team will leave Poland with another trophy for the cabinet, while the other will leave with regrets. Here is your look at the final.
### Real Betis vs Chelsea
(Wednesday in Wroclaw, Poland)
After stellar La Liga season by their usual standards, especially the second half the season, Real Betis has already secured their place in next years UEFA Europa League, while Chelsea will be in the Champions League next year, a return to the top 4 confirmed with two consecutive Premier League wins to finish out the season. Chelsea’s ownership are determined to see the club at the top level of European and global football, the club will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, and has spent significant money to secure some of the top young talent in the game right now and rejuvenate their squad. This run in the Conference League this season, and a solid domestic finish, has vindicated that strategy and shown this Chelsea side has a bright future ahead under Enzo Maresca.
#### The Road to the Final
Chelsea’s Conference League campaign began in poor fashion, as they snuck past Swiss side Servette 2-1 on aggregate to reach the League stage, they then went undefeated against a host of smaller clubs, and defeated Copenhagen, Legia Warsaw, and Djurgarden to reach the final.
Real Betis magical cup run this season started slowly, they only made it to the knockout playoffs, defeating Gent, then Vitoria, Jagiellonia, and a narrow 4-3 extra time triumph over two time defending finalists Fiorentina. Chelsea are favorites and enter with confidence, while Real Betis are full of hope, and that all began to build with two key midseason transfers. The Spanish club added Manchester United castoff Antony on loan, and added MLS based Colombian striker Cucho Hernandez. US MNT regular Johnny Cardoso, and former Real Madrid star Isco are also key names, as this squad has come together to play lively football and has truly connected with the club’s passionate fanbase. At a time when rivals Sevilla, narrowly avoided relegation, it’s the Beticos opportunity to win their first European trophy, and their biggest trophy since the 21-22 Copa Del Rey (domestic cup).
#### History at Stake
Betis would be the first Spanish club to win the Conference league, while Chelsea are following in the footsteps of West Ham. This is Chelsea’s biggest result since the 20-21 season, and it’s an entirely new squad that badly wants a trophy. Winning this title, would complete Chelsea’s [European trophy cabinet](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45348559/chelsea-european-history-conference-league-final-real-betis).
Betis manager being Manuel Pellegrini adds to the Premier League flavor of thsi clash, Nicolas Jackson will lead the line for Chelsea, while veteran local hero Hector Bellerin will miss out for Betis, in a blow for their experience defensively. Giovani Lo Celso the former Tottenham man is also in doubt for Betis.
It takes 11 to win a football match, bu much of the buzz around Betis surrounds Antony, who has rediscovered his brilliance after a difficult time at Manchester United and changed the club’s season since his arrival. He’s become a fan favorite and is playing the best football of his career, making highlight reels like his days at Ajax. Whether or not Betis can keep him beyond this season, supporters are dreaming of seeing him lift a trophy in green and white. The fairytale story of Betis is inspiring, but Chelsea has played good football this season and their depth should win out in the second half, their subs can put them over the top, even if it goes to extra time. Prediction: **Chelsea** 2, Real Betis 1 (after extra time)
Main Photo Credit: IMAGO Images