The stage is set in Wroclaw for a Europa Conference League final that pits Premier League heavyweights Chelsea against a spirited Real Betis side looking to make history. On paper, the Blues arrive as favourites, but there’s more to this fixture than meets the eye—and savvy bettors will see the opportunity for value in backing the underdogs to get something from the contest.
Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis side might not carry the same European pedigree as Chelsea, but they’re far from pushovers. Los Verdiblancos have proven their mettle in Spain’s La Liga this season, having lost just two of their ten meetings with the league’s top five teams. That stat alone underscores their ability to raise their game against elite opposition
Moreover, Betis have turned 1-1 draws into a bit of an art form, having ended nine matches this season with that exact scoreline. That’s no fluke—it speaks to their tactical discipline, stubborn defence, and ability to stay in games even when the odds are against them.
One factor that could swing the pendulum is preparation time. Betis wrapped up their La Liga campaign last Friday with—you guessed it—a 1-1 draw against Valencia. With nothing riding on that fixture, Pellegrini had the luxury to rest key players, giving his squad valuable time to recover and refocus for the final
Chelsea, meanwhile, had a more demanding schedule. Their Premier League season concluded just 76 hours before this showdown, with a tight 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest that secured a top-five finish. While morale in the Chelsea camp will be high, fatigue could be a serious issue, especially given the travel and short turnaround.
Team News & Tactical Outlook
Injuries have dented both camps, but perhaps more significantly for Real Betis, who are without a host of first-team players including Giovani Lo Celso, Youssouf Sabaly, Marc Roca, and Hector Bellerin. However, talisman Isco is fit and firing, and his influence could be vital on the night. Antony and Cedric Bakambu also offer cutting-edge threat in the final third.
Chelsea remain without long-term absentee Wesley Fofana, while midfielder Romeo Lavia is unavailable for selection due to Conference League registration issues. Manager Enzo Maresca will still rely heavily on his young attacking core, but with tired legs and a compact fixture schedule, how much gas they have left in the tank remains to be seen.
Goal Market Insight
With both sides boasting attacking threats, and considering the stakes, there’s strong appeal in the Over 2.5 Goals market. Real Betis are unlikely to sit back, and Chelsea have scored exactly once in three of their last four games, indicating they may once again struggle to turn dominance into goals.
Given the balance of both teams, a 1-1 correct score bet at 11/2 offers substantial value—especially considering Betis’ track record. It aligns with their resilient performances and Chelsea’s modest attacking returns in tight games.
Betting Verdict
While Chelsea’s name recognition and recent form make them the bookies’ favourites, this final feels far more even than the odds suggest. Real Betis to Win or Draw at 19/20 is excellent value, especially considering the Spaniards’ better preparation and battle-hardened domestic campaign. Back Betis to pull off a victory here.