On May 28, 2025, Real Betis and Chelsea faced off in the UEFA Conference League final at Stadion Miejski in Wrocław, Poland. This match marked a significant milestone for both clubs: Real Betis reached their first-ever European final, while Chelsea aimed to become the first club to win all four major UEFA trophies.
Real Betis: A Dream Realized
Real Betis, under the guidance of Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini, have experienced a resurgence in recent years. The club’s journey to the final was a testament to their growth and ambition. With a passionate fanbase and a rich history, Betis’ appearance in a European final was a moment of pride for Andalusia. Key players like Giovani Lo Celso, Isco, and Antony played pivotal roles in their campaign, showcasing the club’s blend of experience and flair.
Chelsea: Chasing History
Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, approached the final with the ambition of completing a unique European trophy collection. Having previously won the Champions League, Europa League, and Cup Winners’ Cup, a victory in the Conference League would cement their status as the first club to have won all four major UEFA competitions. The squad boasted depth and quality, with players like Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke providing attacking threats.
Tactical Approaches
Betis adopted a disciplined defensive strategy, aiming to exploit Chelsea’s occasional vulnerabilities. Lo Celso’s creativity in midfield was crucial, orchestrating attacks and linking up play. Chelsea, on the other hand, relied on their high pressing game and quick transitions. Their full-backs provided width, while the midfield sought to dominate possession and dictate the tempo.
The Match Unfolds
From the outset, Chelsea asserted control, pressing Betis high and seeking early breakthroughs. However, Betis’ defense, marshaled by experienced center-backs, stood firm. In the 28th minute, a swift counter-attack led to a well-timed pass from Lo Celso, setting up Antony to slot the ball past Chelsea’s goalkeeper. The stadium erupted as Betis took a surprising lead.
Chelsea responded with increased intensity, dominating possession and creating several chances. Betis’ goalkeeper made crucial saves, and the defense cleared multiple dangerous crosses. Despite Chelsea’s efforts, the first half ended with Betis leading 1–0.
The second half saw Chelsea intensify their attacks, but Betis remained resolute. In the 65th minute, a Chelsea corner was cleared, leading to a rapid counter-attack. Lo Celso’s vision and passing range were on full display as he found Isco, who calmly finished to double Betis’ lead. Chelsea’s frustration grew, and despite late pressure, they couldn’t break down Betis’ defense.
As the final whistle blew, Betis secured a historic 2–0 victory, clinching their first European trophy and sending their supporters into jubilant celebrations.
Aftermath and Legacy
The victory was a testament to Betis’ growth and ambition. Their triumph in the Conference League final not only secured silverware but also elevated their status in European football. For Chelsea, the loss was a setback in their pursuit of continental dominance, but their legacy remains formidable.
The match will be remembered as a classic underdog story, where determination, strategy, and belief led Real Betis to European glory.
On May 28, 2025, history was made in Wrocław, Poland, as Real Betis triumphed over Chelsea FC in a highly anticipated UEFA Europa Conference League Final. It was a night where dreams were realized for one club, and harsh lessons were learned for another. The 2–0 victory for Betis not only brought the club its first European trophy, but also represented a culmination of vision, strategy, and resilience.
A Tale of Two Ambitions
This final wasn’t just another fixture on the calendar. It carried immense weight for both sides:
- For Real Betis, the final was an opportunity to etch their name into the continental elite. A mid-tier Spanish club with a fiercely loyal fan base, Betis had long been in the shadow of La Liga’s giants. Reaching their first European final in club history symbolized a massive leap forward.
- For Chelsea, the Conference League final was less about glory and more about legacy. The club had previously lifted the Champions League (2012, 2021), the Europa League (2013, 2019), and the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup (1971, 1998). Victory in Wrocław would have made Chelsea the first club in history to win all four major UEFA competitions.
The Road to Wrocław
Real Betis’ journey through the tournament was marked by intelligent football, discipline, and standout individual performances. Under the steady hand of Manuel Pellegrini, the club navigated tough fixtures, including wins over Fiorentina, Club Brugge, and Fenerbahçe. The midfield creativity of Isco and Giovani Lo Celso, paired with the pace and flair of Antony, made them a tough opponent for any side.
Chelsea, led by new manager Enzo Maresca, cruised through the group stages but faced sterner tests in the knockouts. A dramatic win against AZ Alkmaar and a strong semi-final performance against Eintracht Frankfurt saw the Blues through. The English side brought star power, experience, and depth, with players like Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, and Malo Gusto forming the backbone of a dynamic squad.
Tactical Battles: Pellegrini vs Maresca
Tactically, the game pitted Pellegrini’s pragmatism against Maresca’s fluid, possession-based football.
- Real Betis sat deep and focused on quick transitions, relying on the creativity of Lo Celso and the guile of Isco. Their compact 4-2-3-1 formation proved difficult to break down.
- Chelsea attempted to impose their high press and fluid build-up play. Maresca’s side sought to control possession with deep midfielders and overlapping full-backs, aiming to pin Betis back and overload the wide areas.
Match Highlights
🕐 First Half
The match started with Chelsea on the front foot. They dominated possession in the first 20 minutes, with Cole Palmer testing the Betis keeper with a curling shot from outside the box.
But Betis showed discipline and sharpness in transition. In the 28th minute, a turnover in midfield allowed Lo Celso to spring into action. A precise through-ball found Antony, who calmly slotted the ball past Robert Sánchez to give Betis a stunning 1–0 lead.
Chelsea pressed on, but the Betis defense held firm. Veteran defender Marc Bartra and goalkeeper Rui Silva were crucial in keeping the Blues at bay.
🕑 Second Half
Maresca brought on reinforcements, including Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk, in search of an equalizer. But Betis remained compact, soaking up pressure and waiting for their moment.
It came in the 65th minute. A Chelsea corner was cleared, and Betis countered with clinical efficiency. Lo Celso, the architect again, slipped a perfect pass to Isco, who fired it into the bottom corner.
2–0 to Betis. Chelsea were stunned.
Despite their continued efforts—crosses, corners, and long-range attempts—Betis never lost shape. By the time the final whistle blew, the stadium in Wrocław was roaring in green and white.
Key Performers
⭐ Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)
A masterclass in midfield orchestration. Two assists, countless key passes, and relentless work rate. The Argentine was the heartbeat of Betis’ attack.
⭐ Isco (Real Betis)
A player once destined for stardom at Real Madrid, Isco’s revival at Betis culminated in a goal and a flawless display. Calm, creative, and clinical.
⭐ Marc Bartra (Real Betis)
The veteran center-back led the defensive line with authority. Interceptions, clearances, and blocks—Bartra was immense.
⭐ Rui Silva (Real Betis)
Made three critical saves in the first half to deny Chelsea a way back. An underrated performance in goal.
Post-Match Reactions
🎙️ Manuel Pellegrini (Real Betis Manager)
“This is for the fans, for the club, for Andalusia. We believed in our project, and tonight we showed that dreams can become reality.”
🎙️ Enzo Maresca (Chelsea Manager)
“We controlled the game for long periods but paid for our mistakes. Credit to Betis—they executed their plan perfectly.”