Chelsea are dreaming of a double triumph to cap a rollercoaster 2024-25 season, having secured their ticket to the Champions League with a gritty 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on the **Premier League**’s final day.
Levi Colwill’s second-half strike at the City Ground clinched fourth place, edging out Forest and three other rivals in a frantic race for Europe’s elite table.
Now, **Enzo Maresca**’s Blues are gunning for history in Wednesday’s Conference League final against Real Betis, aiming to become the first club to conquer all four UEFA competitions. With eight wins from 12 prior European finals, Chelsea are favourites, but Betis, led by cup-savvy Manuel Pellegrini, won’t go quietly.
The Blues have steamrolled most Conference League foes, despite hiccups against Servette and Legia Warsaw, and face a Betis side fresh off a heart-stopping semi-final escape against Fiorentina, where Antony’s 97th-minute assist for Abde Ezzalzouli sealed a 4-3 aggregate thriller.
Pellegrini’s rejuvenated Los Verdiblancos didn't exactly end their league season well, but secured Europa League football with a sixth-place finish. Nearly two decades since their last clash - a 4-0 Chelsea rout and 1-0 Betis win in 2005-06, Maresca, once Pellegrini’s West Ham assistant, now looks to outsmart his mentor.
Real Betis
Real Betis face a defensive crisis with Hector Bellerin (hamstring), Marc Roca (foot), Diego Llorente (hamstring), and Chimy Avila (hamstring) ruled out for the final.
Giovani Lo Celso’s muscular discomfort makes him a doubt too, but Youssouf Sabaly and Johnny Cardoso are available after minor scares. Cedric Bakambu, with seven Conference League goals this season, is set to lead the line.
Chelsea
Nicolas Jackson, sidelined by a Premier League suspension at the City Ground, is cleared to spearhead Chelsea’s attack in the Conference League final.
Christopher Nkunku’s fitness remains uncertain after missing the weekend despite being declared fit.
Aaron Anselmino, Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman (all hamstring), and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspended) are out, while Romeo Lavia is ineligible.
Likely Line-Ups
****Real Betis** (4-2-3-1):**
Vieites; Sabaly, Bartra, Natan, R. Rodriguez; Cardoso, Altimira; Antony, Isco, Fornals; Bakambu
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Sancho, Madueke; Jackson
Key Players
Real Betis - Antony
Antony has been a revelation for Real Betis since ditching Manchester United earlier this season, lighting up the Conference League and shaping up to be Chelsea’s biggest headache in Wednesday’s final.
The Brazilian’s got his mojo back, weaving magic on the right with his left foot, bagging four goals and three assists in the competition, including a cheeky free-kick and a clutch 97th-minute assist against Fiorentina in the semis.
His rapid bursts and trickery on the ball 1v1 up against Marc Cucurella may well be the difference maker, on a night where United fans will be watching with envy. Enzo Maresca, however, will be well aware of the need to stop Betis' flow to keep their reborn star from stealing the show.
Chelsea - Moises Caicedo
The Blues' player of the season - Caicedo has undoubtedly been a headache for every opposition this season. The Ecuadorian quite simply never has an 'off-day', and already stands a good chancing of being the man-of-the-match on a night where the 23-year-old can win his first trophy at the club.
Even with Romeo Lavia's absence for large parts this season, Caicedo has shown to thrive with the defensive burden of his ball-winning ability and reading of the game.
Betis may well have moments to hurt Chelsea on the counter, but they'll be lucky to get the better of Caicedo, who has been a rock this season.
Match details
Where is the game being played?
The match is to be played at Tarczynski Arena, Wroclaw, Poland.
What time is kick-off?
Kick off is at 20:00 BST.
How can I watch?
Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+.