While the Europa League Final features teams in 17th and 16th in the Premier League, the Conference League Final is between two teams in much better form. Real Betis (6th La Liga) take on Chelsea (4th EPL) on May 28th at Poland’s Wrocław Stadium. Next Wednesday’s final should be an incredibly exciting match.
Chelsea have breezed their way through to the UECL Final. Meanwhile Real Betis took down stiff opposition, in Fiorentina, in the Semifinal.
Both clubs look like they’ll qualify for at least the Europa League next season through their league position. Still, adding end of season silverware would mean a lot. That’s particularly true for Betis, who have never won a European trophy before.
Stay tuned to see if Antony and Co. have a shot to take down Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea. Also, look out for our Top Soccer Bet, which will reflect the best value bet on the odds board.
Road to the Conference League Final
Chelsea won nine games in a row to kick off their Conference League campaign. They finished in first place in the league phase before falling 2-1 to Legia Warsaw in the second leg of the Quarterfinal. However, it didn’t matter, as Chelsea won the first leg in Poland, 3-0. The Blues have outscored their UECL opponents 38-9 thus far. What’s even more impressive is that Enzo Maresca has routinely trotted out a B team for the Conference League.
Key players like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Pedro Neto and Nicolas Jackson didn’t have to start in either leg of the Semifinal against Djurgarden. Chelsea won the first leg 4-1 as Jackson came off the bench to score two second half goals.
The second leg finished 1-0 to Chelsea as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the game’s only goal. Chelsea have basically had a frictionless route to the Conference League Final.
Meanwhile, Real Betis needed extra time to take down two-time Conference League Finalists Fiorentina in the Semifinal. Antony has undoubtedly completed his redemption arc and it’s frankly been incredible to see. The Manchester United loanee had two goals and an assist in two games against Fiorentina. He has completely transformed Betis’ season since joining.
Still, was Abde Ezzalzouli who scored the winner in extra time against Fiorentina. It’s a huge surprise Betis are in the Conference League Final, as they barely managed to reach the knockout stage. Manuel Pellegrini’s side went 3-1-2 in the league phase and finished in 15th.
Before beating Fiorentina, Betis took down Gent 3-1 in the play-off, dispatched Vitoria Guimaraes 6-2 in the round of 16 and defeated Jagiellonia Bialystok 3-1 in the quarters.
Antony, Betis Going for First European Trophy
After flopping during two seasons and a half at underperforming Manchester United, Antony’s career has undergone a complete resurgence at Real Betis. His loan spell has been one of the best of all time and he’s rejuvenated Real Betis. The winger recently scored a screamer of a winner against Espanyol and has eight goals and five assists during his time in Seville.
Antony has been jokingly called the GOAT due to flopping at United but he’s transcended being a meme. Before he joined, Betis had lost seven matches in La Liga. Since then, they’re 8-4-2 in La Liga with a win over Real Madrid. That and a 1-1 draw at Barcelona proves that Betis can hang with anyone.
Along with Antony, Betis have some dangerous attacking players like Isco, Cedric Bakambu and Pablo Fornals. Former Real Madrid man Isco has registered 12 goals and nine assists this season. Meanwhile, Bakambu ranks second in the Conference League, with seven goals.
Manuel Pellegrini has spent nearly 20 years managing European clubs but he has never won a major European trophy. However, he did guide Betis to a shock Copa del Rey triumph three years ago.
Bettors should note that Real Betis have only lost once game since February. They are underdogs in the Conference League Final but they certainly should not be underestimated. Still, they have conceded in nine straight games, in all competitions.
Chelsea Rounding Into Form
Chelsea kept their UCL hopes alive last Friday. The Blues defeated Manchester United 1-0 behind Marc Cucurella’s headed goal. Reece James pulled off an outrageous spin and cross to find Cucurella for the winner.
After a poor stretch, Chelsea have now won six of their last seven games. If Chelsea defeat Nottingham Forest on the last day of the season, they’ll qualify for the Champions League. Winning the Conference League Final would make Chelsea the first club to win all three current major UEFA competitions.
Expect Maresca to name a strong side in pursuit of silverware. Chelsea certainly have a lot of depth. None of Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, Malo Gusto nor Robert Sanchez have had to play over 300 UECL minutes.
In fact, Maresca has yet to name his best starting XI in the Conference League. While there are not many teams in Europe who can beat a full strength Chelsea side, Betis are a worthy opponent.
Conference League Final Analysis, Top Soccer Bet
Chelsea should get both Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu back before the Conference League Final. However, they will just have two days of rest between the EPL finale and their matchup against Betis in Wroclaw.
While Wesley Fofana is out for Chelsea, Real Betis will be missing Marc Roca, Hector Bellerin and Diego Llorente. Youssouf Sabaly and Chimy Avila could return in time for the match but are doubts. Betis do have a rest advantage over Chelsea here, though.
La Liga moved Betis’ season finale against Valencia from Sunday to Friday. So, Pellegrini’s men will have two extra days of rest and they’re also locked into sixth place. That means Pellegrini can trot out a reserve lineup in La Liga and go all out next Wednesday.
Chelsea do not have that luxury and we wouldn’t be surprised to see them get off to a slow start in this one. While Chelsea do have more quality across the pitch, this is one of the biggest matches in Betis’ history. They’ll undoubtedly be up for this one and could make life hard for Chelsea.
Maresca has already complained about Real Betis’ rest advantage and it’ll have an impact. We’re not exactly confident Real Betis will lift their first European trophy. However, we think taking them to avoid a normal time defeat is wise.
Antony has been playing out of his mind and Isco is no stranger to big games. So, Betis should pose an attacking threat. Meanwhile, everyone knows how dangerous Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is. Shutting him down will be key for Betis.
Given the magnitude of the match and rest advantage, our Top Soccer Bet for next Wednesday’s Conference League Final is Betis +0.5 at even odds.
