by Jolayemi Jones
When the league phase of the UEFA Conference League began, everyone knew three teams stood above the rest: Chelsea’s expensively assembled squad, two-time losing finalists Fiorentina, and the electrifying Real Betis.
At least two of these teams were expected to make the final, provided the two avoided each other along the way. The only other top-five league representative, debutants Heidenheim, were never considered genuine threats in their first-ever European campaign. The remaining participants simply lacked the quality to challenge these favourites - and the tournament played out exactly as expected.
Chelsea strolled to the final without breaking a sweat. Meanwhile, Fiorentina and Betis delivered the competition’s only compelling, high-quality clash in their semi-final showdown, where an inspired Antony performance saw Betis prevail in extra time. That outcome has set up what should be a fascinating final - on paper at least.
While both teams enjoyed comfortable runs, Betis at least faced one genuine test in their semi-final, unlike Chelsea, who cruised through without ever meeting comparable opposition. In fact, Betis represents the first and only comparable-quality side the Blues will have faced in the entire tournament. This showdown offers redemption after a tournament sorely lacking in drama or surprises.
Now comes the ultimate test of Chelsea’s credentials. Will their untested dominance crumble when they finally face a competent football team? Or will their financial might and squad depth prevail against a Betis side that’s played like men possessed all season?
One thing’s certain - this final presents the first real opportunity to evaluate whether Chelsea’s campaign has been a masterclass in efficiency or merely the product of an embarrassingly weak competition.
Chelsea narrowly avoided catastrophe by clinching Champions League qualification on the Premier League’s final day, an achievement that redeems their turbulent season.
While this secondary European competition feels beneath a club that’s invested over £1 billion in talent — you would expect them to be competing in a Champions League final instead — it now presents an opportunity to cap their campaign with silverware.
Last year’s demotion from the Europa League to this tournament (courtesy of Manchester United’s shock FA Cup triumph) added insult to injury, but this time, Chelsea enter the final unburdened by desperation. With their primary objective already secured, they can approach this match with rare freedom: win, and they complete their trophy set while celebrating a double achievement; lose, and it merely stings rather than devastates.
The Blues’ recent shift to pragmatic, results-first football could prove decisive against Wednesday’s opponents. Gone are the days of pretty but ineffective possession; this refined approach saw them through their UCL qualification scramble and might just deliver a long-awaited trophy. For any bet wizard analyzing this matchup, , Chelsea’s tactical evolution makes them intriguing favourites.
While the bet of the day might favour Chelsea’s depth and big-game experience, underestimating their opponents would be unwise. After last season’s Carabao Cup final heartbreak and their recurring struggles in decisive moments, Maresca’s men must prove they’ve learned to win when it matters most.
One thing’s certain: for a club of Chelsea’s ambitions, even “bonus” silverware carries immense psychological weight. The question is whether their billion-pound project can finally deliver when expectations are at their peak.
It’s unusual for a defensive midfielder to take center stage ahead of a final, especially for the favourites. But in Moisés Caicedo’s case, his importance is undeniable. Not only has he been Chelsea’s midfield anchor all season, but his role became even more critical during their switch to pragmatic football during the Premier League run-in, where his composure and tenacity kept their Champions League hopes alive.
Now, he faces his toughest assignment yet: neutralizing Isco, the creative heartbeat of Real Betis. The Spanish playmaker orchestrates everything dangerous for Betis, and Caicedo’s ability to disrupt his rhythm could decide the match. His defensive discipline will be crucial, he’ll be needed to close down passing lanes, break up attacks, and prevent Isco from dictating play.
But Caicedo’s influence extends beyond stopping Betis. He’s also the catalyst for Chelsea’s transitions, turning defensive recoveries into attacking opportunities with his sharp distribution. His ability to win the ball and pick the right forward passes will set the tempo for Chelsea’s buildup play.
In a game where control of midfield will likely determine the winner, Caicedo will be Chelsea’s silent orchestrator. Caicedo’s ability to find and platform Cole Palmer between the lines could be a particular headache for Betis, opening them up to conceding from the playmaker’s sublime through balls. If Caicedo dominates his duel with Isco and manages to dictate play from deep effectively, Chelsea’s path to victory becomes far clearer.
For Real Betis, this European final represents uncharted territory, a dream few at the club dared imagine before this competition offered them this golden opportunity.
While Chelsea arrive with their billion-pound squad and rich European pedigree, Betis carry the hopes of a club whose previous continental peak came 47 years ago with a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup quarter final exit. This David vs Goliath matchup perfectly encapsulates the tournament’s purpose: giving ambitious but resource-limited clubs their shot at glory.
Betis’ path here required difficult choices. Their late-season battle with Villarreal for Spain’s final Champions League spot became unsustainable alongside their European commitments, forcing them to prioritize this trophy chase. While their calculated risk earned this dream final, it came with consequences - sacrificing their Champions League pursuit and settling for Europa League football next season.
Their players have clearly saved their best for this historic chance to claim the club’s first European honour. Remarkably, victory would give them two major trophies in four years, after their Copa Del Rey triumph in 2022 - nearly matching their entire pre-2020 silverware haul.
The final’s outcome likely hinges on Betis’ dynamic duo: Isco, the revitalized maestro pulling strings in midfield, and Antony, whose electric performances propelled them past Fiorentina in the semifinals. These two embody Betis’ fearless approach - a stark contrast to Chelsea’s expensively assembled machine.
Even though they’ll be underdogs, Betis carry the momentum of a team playing without pressure, unburdened by expectation but fully aware they stand ninety minutes from immortality.
For Real Betis captain Isco, the grand stage is familiar territory. The Andalusian playmaker arrives as the most decorated player in this final—across both squads—with five UEFA Champions League titles from his Real Madrid days.
Over the past two seasons, he has been the heartbeat of Betis’ resurgence, reinventing their midfield and dictating their attacking rhythm with peerless vision and technique. Every promising move, every moment of creativity, stems from his influence.
As a result, Betis’ hopes rest almost entirely on his shoulders. When Isco thrives, so do they; an off-night from their talisman could prove fatal.
Fortunately, pressure is no obstacle for a veteran who has not only played in multiple Champions League finals but excelled in them. His composure and big-game pedigree make him uniquely equipped to guide Betis through this historic challenge. On top of that, it would be a dream for him to lead an Andalusian club to European glory.
Adding to Chelsea’s concerns is Isco’s electrifying partnership with Antony, who has been a revelation since joining on loan in January. Their chemistry has terrorized defenses all season, combining intricate link-up play with incisive runs.
Together, they will probe Chelsea’s backline, hunting for weaknesses to exploit. If Isco brings his trademark magic, and Antony provides the perfect foil, Betis may just script the ultimate underdog triumph and beat the odds to claim the win of a lifetime.
Finals of this magnitude give savvy punters an opportunity to win big. And as luck would betting apps are rolling out exceptional markets for this clash, with BetKing leading the pack and standing out with our competitive odds and unique wagering options. You should Sign Up now, if you don’t have an account yet. Time to close out the football season with a big one!