Real Betis vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

The Europa Conference League trophy will belong to either Real Betis or Chelsea by the end of tonight.

It is only the fourth final in the competition’s brief history – with AS Roma, West Ham United and Olympiacos previously claiming the trophy.

Chelsea have won 11 of their 12 European matches this season and are favourites to lift the title in Poland.

At the weekend, Enzo Maresca and his players secured qualification into the Champions League for next season. The Blues edged out fellow contenders Nottingham Forest away from home courtesy of Levi Colwill’s winner.

Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia are not available tonight due to not being registered in the European squad. However, the pair have still travelled to Wroclaw to support their teammates. Nicolas Jackson’s domestic suspension doesn’t apply to their continental exploits so the Senegalese striker is able to contribute tonight. Maresca has confirmed that Filip Jorgensen will replace Robert Sanchez between the sticks, with the Dane starting all but one of the matches in the competition thus far.

Real Betis are vying for the first European trophy in their history this evening. Former Premier League-winning manager Manuel Pellegrini marshals the Los Verdiblancos.

The 71-year-old will have to deal without the services of former Leeds duo Diego Llorente and Marc Roca. Giovani Lo Celso is also a potential absentee after missing last Friday’s draw with Valencia entirely due to a muscular issue.

Manchester United loanee Antony has enjoyed a fruitful period since temporarily joining in January. The Brazilian winner has netted nine times during his loan spell, including four in the Europa Conference League.

Real Betis vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news

Form

Real Betis: DDDLD

Real Betis have struggled in recent weeks and are winless in their last five matches.

However, Manuel Pellegrini’s side are still proving difficult to beat having only lost two of their last 20 games.

The team hailing from Seville finished the La Liga season in sixth position, earning Europa League qualification for the next season.

Crucially, Betis have had two more days than Chelsea to prepare for the final. Los Verdiblancos played on Friday and were held to a home draw by Valencia.

Chelsea: WWLWW

Chelsea will be competing in the Champions League next term after sealing fourth place on the final day of the Premier League season.

The Blues prevailed in a tense affair at The City Ground as Levi Colwill’s 50th-minute goal was enough to claim all three points over Nottingham Forest.

Enzo Maresca and his players ended the campaign in impressive form. They won seven of their last eight outings – a timely response to a prior period tarnished by inconsistency.

The West London outfit have a chance to record an unprecedented feat in Poland tonight. They can become the first team in history to win all three existing major European honours – the Champions League, Europa League and the Europa Conference League. The opportunity to seal a coveted hat-trick is a significant incentive for the young squad.

Last Meeting: Real Betis 1-0 Chelsea, Champions League, 1st November 2005

It’s been nearly two decades since the last encounter, which Real Betis narrowly won in Seville.

Chelsea were drawn against Los Verdiblancos, Liverpool and Anderlecht in the group stages of the 2005/06 Champions League campaign.

After beating their Spanish counterparts 4-0 at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture, Jose Mourinho’s side struggled at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

In the 25th minute, disaster struck for the hosts as manager Lorenzo Serra Ferrer was forced into his second alteration. Martin Dani replaced the stricken Ricardo Oliveria, a change that would transform the complexion of the contest.

Just a few minutes later, the substitute made an instant impact. The Spanish striker netted the decisive goal from a few yards out and Petr Cech was helpless as the ball travelled into the net.

The Blues’ attack was uncharacteristically blunt all evening, but they were desperately unlucky not to equalise in the second period. Shaun Wright-Phillips teed up Michael Essien, whose strike bounced off both posts and somehow failed to cross the line.

Betis held on for a vital three points, although their efforts were in vain as both Chelsea and Liverpool advanced into the last 16 at their expense.

Predicted Lineups

Real Betis: Vieites; Sabaly, Bartra, Natan, R. Rodriguez; Cardoso, Altimira; Antony, Isco, Fornals; Bakambu.

Chelsea: Jorgensen, James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson.

Who is the referee?

Bosnian referee Irfan Peljto will be the match official. Senad Ibrisimbegovic and Davor Beljo will assist him while Umut Meler will be the fourth official. Jerome Brisard will be on VAR duty and Willy Delajod will assist him.

What TV channel will Real Betis vs Chelsea be on?

TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and Discovery+ UK will show the Europa Conference League final.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at the Stadion Wroclaw will be at 20:00 BST on Wednesday 28th May 2025.

Real Betis vs Chelsea Betting Odds

Real Betis: 16/5

Draw: 12/5

Chelsea: 17/20

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