Real Betis and Chelsea face off on Wednesday night in a fascinating Conference League final.
Even though the Conference League is Europe’s third-tier club competition, there is a high-profile clash between Spanish club Betis and Premier League giants Chelsea in the final.
The Blues go into the showdown knowing they can wrap up a positive 2024/25 season by winning a trophy in Wroclaw, Poland.
Most importantly, Enzo Maresca’s side are back in next season’s Champions League after clinching fourth in the Premier League on the final day. Chelsea secured back-to-back league wins over Manchester United and Nottingham Forest to get them over the line.
Therefore, it feels like the Blues can have a bit of a free hit at the Conference League. We doubt it will feel like that for the players when they step on the pitch to compete for silverware, though.
Jose Mourinho’s expectation for Chelsea against Real Betis is a competitive contest between two quality sides.
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Real Betis star Marc Bartra impressed by Chelsea
Betis centre-back Marc Bartra, 34, has delivered high praise on upcoming opponents Chelsea ahead of the Conference League final. In particular, he thinks the Blues’ physicality and intensity massively stands out as a strength.
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Bartra said via Marca: “I saw them (Chelsea) the other day against United, and they’re a very complete team, in every line, both at the full-back level, in midfield, both the wingers and the forwards. They’re a very intense, very physical team, with young, energetic players.
“I think we have to be ourselves, more than ever, giving our all, playing with a warm heart and a cool mind. And then compete, compete, and be ourselves.”
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini rates the Conference League final a 50-50 as he prepares his side to face Chelsea.
If the Blues name their strongest XI with the likes of Moises Caicedo and Reece James, they may have the physicality to get the upper hand over Betis. They will need to be wary that the Spanish outfit possess several football technicians, though.
Chelsea’s disadvantage against Real Betis is that they’ve had two days less to prepare for the final, so will that be a factor on Wednesday?
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea’s travelling squad for Real Betis
Chelsea confirmed via their official website that they have travelled with a 23-man squad for the Conference League final against Betis. Even though the likes of Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and Marcus Bettinelli are not in the playing group, they have still travelled with the team.
Goalkeepers: Lucas Bergstrom, Filip Jorgensen, Robert Sanchez
Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Malo Gusto, Reece James
Midfielders: Mathis Amougou, Moises Caicedo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Enzo Fernandez
Forwards: Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho
As you can see above, the Blues have their big hitters available to them.
Chelsea’s predicted XI against Real Betis is a very strong line-up from Maresca, even though he’s rotated heavily in Europe for the majority of the Conference League.
If the season ends with the young team lifting a trophy, it could be a great catalyst to kick on next year.