The 2025 UEFA Conference League Final is set to take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Wrocław Stadium.

The 2025 UEFA Conference League Final is set to take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Wrocław Stadium (also known as Tarczyński Arena) in Wrocław, Poland.

The Finalists

▪︎Real Betis (Spain): Under manager Manuel Pellegrini, Betis have reached their first-ever European final. Their journey included victories over Gent, Vitória Guimarães, Jagiellonia Białystok, and a dramatic extra-time win against Fiorentina in the semifinals.

▪︎Chelsea FC (England): Managed by Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have been dominant in the Conference League, winning all group stage matches and defeating Copenhagen, Legia Warsaw, and Djurgårdens in the knockout rounds. They secured a top-four Premier League finish, ensuring Champions League qualification for next season.

Key Storylines

▪︎Chelsea’s Historic Pursuit: A win would see Chelsea become the first club to clinch all three major active UEFA men’s titles: Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

Betis’ European Debut: This marks Real Betis’ inaugural appearance in a European final, a significant milestone in the club’s history.

Tactical Breakdown: Key Strategies in the Betis vs Chelsea Conference League Final

The Conference League final between Real Betis and Chelsea was a captivating display of tactical acumen, showcasing the strategic depth both teams brought to the pitch. As the match unfolded, it became evident that each side had meticulously prepared to exploit the other’s weaknesses while reinforcing their own strengths. This tactical breakdown delves into the key strategies employed by both teams, highlighting the nuances that defined this high-stakes encounter.

Real Betis, under the astute guidance of their manager, adopted a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation, which allowed them to maintain a balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair. The double pivot in midfield was crucial, providing a shield for the backline while facilitating quick transitions from defense to attack. Betis’s wide players were instrumental in stretching Chelsea’s defense, creating space for their central attackers to exploit. The full-backs, too, played a pivotal role, overlapping with precision to deliver crosses into the box, thereby increasing the attacking options.

In contrast, Chelsea opted for a more conservative 3-4-3 setup, emphasizing defensive resilience and counter-attacking prowess. The three central defenders provided a robust foundation, allowing the wing-backs to push forward with confidence. This formation enabled Chelsea to absorb pressure effectively and launch swift counter-attacks, capitalizing on the pace and skill of their forward line. The midfield duo was tasked with breaking up Betis’s play and distributing the ball quickly to the flanks, where Chelsea’s wingers could exploit the spaces left by Betis’s advancing full-backs.

As the match progressed, it became clear that set-pieces would play a significant role in determining the outcome. Both teams demonstrated meticulous planning in this area, with Betis employing intricate routines designed to disorient Chelsea’s defense. Conversely, Chelsea relied on their aerial prowess, aiming to capitalize on corners and free-kicks with towering headers. The battle for supremacy in set-piece situations added an extra layer of intrigue to the contest, as each team sought to gain an advantage through these dead-ball opportunities.

Transitioning to the midfield battle, it was evident that control of this area was pivotal to both teams’ strategies. Betis’s midfielders displayed exceptional technical ability, dictating the tempo of the game with their precise passing and intelligent movement. Chelsea, however, countered this with physicality and tenacity, disrupting Betis’s rhythm and forcing turnovers. This clash of styles in the center of the park was a microcosm of the broader tactical battle, with each team striving to impose their will on the game.

In the final third, both teams exhibited contrasting approaches. Betis favored intricate build-up play, seeking to unlock Chelsea’s defense with quick, incisive passes and clever off-the-ball movement. Chelsea, on the other hand, relied on directness and speed, aiming to exploit any defensive lapses with rapid transitions and clinical finishing. This dichotomy in attacking philosophy underscored the tactical diversity on display, as each team sought to outmaneuver the other.

Ultimately, the Conference League final between Real Betis and Chelsea was a testament to the strategic depth and tactical sophistication inherent in modern football. Both teams demonstrated a keen understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of their opponents, resulting in a captivating contest that was as much a battle of wits as it was of skill. As the final whistle blew, it was clear that this match would be remembered not only for its outcome but also for the tactical intricacies that defined it.

■■■Here’s a detailed preview and prediction for the 2025 UEFA Europa Conference League Final between Real Betis and Chelsea:

Team Form and Key Players

■■■Chelsea FC

▪︎Manager: Enzo Maresca

▪︎Recent Form: Strong finish in the Premier League; unbeaten in the Conference League.

Key Players:

▪︎Cole Palmer – Top scorer and creative engine.

▪︎Enzo Fernández – Dictates midfield tempo.

▪︎Christopher Nkunku – Back from injury, offers attacking spark.

Strengths:

▪︎Superior squad depth.

▪︎European experience (winners of UCL 2021, Europa League 2019)

Weaknesses:

▪︎Occasional defensive lapses.

■■■Real Betis

▪︎Manager: Manuel Pellegrini

▪︎Recent Form: Mixed in La Liga but resilient in Europe.

Key Player:

▪︎Isco – Revived playmaker, pulling strings in midfield.

▪︎Ayoze Pérez – Dangerous on the counter.

▪︎Guido Rodríguez – Key defensive midfielder.

Weaknesses:

▪︎Less squad depth.

▪︎Vulnerable in transition defense.

■■■Prediction

▪︎Chelsea 2 – 1 Real Betis (after 90 minutes)

Goal Scorers:

▪︎Chelsea: Palmer, Nkunku

▪︎Betis: Isco

Reasoning:

Chelsea’s quality and depth should give them the edge, but Betis will make it competitive with their tactical discipline and experience under Pellegrini.

Bet Builder Selectios:

▪︎Chelsea to Win

▪︎Both Teams to Score

▪︎Over 2.5 Goals

▪︎Cole Palmer to Score Anytime