Chelsea vs Real Betis: The Final That Nobody Expected But Everyone Deserves

By Lewis Barnett 27 May, 2025 7 mins read 115 Views

Look, I'll be honest with you.

When the Conference League draw first came out, I barely paid attention. My mate Dave texted me "Chelsea in the Conference League lol" and I just rolled my eyes. Fast forward to now, and here we are in Warsaw with Chelsea one win away from making actual history. Sometimes football just... surprises you, you know?

Wednesday's final against Real Betis isn't just another European night. It's the chance for Chelsea to become the first club ever to win all three major European competitions. Meanwhile, Betis are sitting there like the cool uncle at a family reunion - nobody expected them to steal the show, but damn if they haven't earned their spot.

And here's the kicker: Enzo Maresca is going head-to-head with Manuel Pellegrini, the man he calls his "football father." You can't write this stuff.

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How Did We Even Get Here?

Chelsea's season has been like watching someone parallel park - lots of back and forth, occasional panic, but somehow they got there in the end. Remember December when we thought they might actually challenge Liverpool for the title? God, that feels like a lifetime ago now.

The Christmas collapse was brutal. I watched grown men cry in the pub after that Newcastle game. But credit where it's due - they pulled it together when it mattered. That Nottingham Forest win on Sunday? Pure relief. You could hear the collective exhale from West London.

Betis, meanwhile, have been the quiet achievers. Sixth in LaLiga isn't spectacular, but it's solid. They missed out on Champions League football by 10 points, which stings, but Europa League qualification takes some pressure off Wednesday's result.

Still, you know they want this. Badly.

The Money Game (Spoiler: It's Not Even Close)

Chelsea's squad is worth £627 million more than Betis. Let that sink in for a second.

When your most expensive signing cost £115 million (hello, Moises Caicedo) and theirs was £25 million back in 1998, you're playing different sports financially. Poor Denilson, by the way - that transfer record signing turned into one of football's biggest cautionary tales. 14 goals in 198 games? Ouch.

But here's the thing about football: sometimes the underdog bites back. And Betis have teeth.

Star Power: Palmer vs the Man United Reject

Cole Palmer remains Chelsea's golden boy, even if this season hasn't quite hit the same highs as his debut campaign. Maresca's moved him deeper, more central, and honestly? It's working. He's become the conductor of Chelsea's orchestra, making everyone around him look better.

But Antony... man, what a redemption story. Remember when United fans were calling him the worst signing in Premier League history? (Harsh, but not entirely unfair.) Now he's smiling again, scoring regularly, and Betis fans actually chant his name. Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes.

My editor bet me £20 that Antony scores first on Wednesday. I'm starting to think he might be onto something.

Tactical Chess Match

Maresca's possession-heavy 4-2-3-1 that morphs into a 3-2-4-1 sounds fancy on paper. In reality, it's been... inconsistent. When it clicks, Chelsea look unstoppable. When it doesn't, they look like they're playing with their shoelaces tied together.

Pellegrini keeps things simpler. Old-school 4-2-3-1, players know their roles, and they're happy to sit back and hit you on the counter. It's not revolutionary, but it works. Sometimes the best tactics are the ones that don't overthink things.

The key battle? Whether Chelsea can break down Betis' defensive shape before getting caught on the break. Speed vs possession. Classic football dilemma.

Trophy Cabinet Comparison (This One's Embarrassing)

Chelsea: 27 domestic trophies, 8 European cups, Club World Cup winners.

Betis: One league title from 1935 and three Copa del Rey victories.

Yeah, it's not close. But that 2022 Copa del Rey win for Betis? The scenes were absolutely mental. Their fans haven't forgotten what it feels like to win something big, and they're hungry for more.

For Chelsea, this Conference League might not have fans dancing in the streets, but becoming the first club to win all three European competitions? That's proper history right there.

The Father vs Son Subplot

Here's where it gets emotional. Pellegrini discovered Maresca at Malaga, brought him to West Ham as his assistant, and basically shaped his coaching philosophy. Now they're facing off in a European final.

Maresca calling Pellegrini his "football father" wasn't just media fluff - there's genuine respect there. But come Wednesday night, family ties go out the window. This is about silverware, legacy, and bragging rights.

Pellegrini's been at Betis for nearly five years now, rebuilding careers and creating something special. He's the cool veteran who's seen it all. Maresca's the ambitious student trying to prove he's learned his lessons well.

It's going to be fascinating to watch.

Wednesday can't come soon enough. And honestly? I think we're in for something special in Warsaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role played by the video assistant referee in the Premier League league?

In the Premier League system, Video Assistant Referee is used by referees to make correct decisions on goals, penalty calls, direct red-card incidents and in cases of mistaken identities. The VAR reviews footage of the incident in question and advises the referee, who then has the option to view a replay on the pitchside monitor before making the final decision. The system attempts to minimize the human errors which could impact the outcome of a football match.

Can you explain the concept of the 'Big Six' in the Premier League?

The term 'Big Six" refers to the Premier League clubs that have been most influential and successful in recent years. Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are usually on the list. Also included is Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. These teams are known as having a strong fan base with a lot of money, for their high-level performances, and for qualifying frequently for European tournaments like the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Cup.

How do you determine the Premier League champion?

The Premier League champion is the one who has the most points in the 38 game season. Three points are given to teams for winning, one point for drawing, and no points are awarded if the team loses. In the event of teams finishing the season with the same number of points, the champion is determined by goal difference, and if necessary, the number of goals scored. If there is still a tie, the winner may be decided by a playoff, which can take place at a neutral location. This scenario, however, has never happened in Premier League history.

Is the Premier League governed by financial regulations?

The Premier League does have financial regulations known as Financial Fair Play rules (FFP). These are meant to stop clubs from going beyond their means, and promote financial stability. These rules require that clubs limit their losses and make sure they do not outspend their revenues from football activities. The regulations aim to promote responsible spending, and to maintain a competitive balance in the league.

What is the impact of the Premier League on the English national football team?

The Premier League plays an important role in the development English football talent. Many Premier League players are selected to the English national football team. They contribute their skills and experiences in international competitions. It is believed that the competitive nature of the league and the high quality of its players benefit the national squad. The high number and quality of foreign players in the league has led to debates about how this affects English players' opportunities to get regular first team football.

Statistics

Arsenal boasts an unbeaten streak of 49 Premier League matches from May 2003 to October 2004, the longest in the history of the league.
Ryan Giggs holds the distinction of scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons, marking consistency seldom seen in such a demanding league.
The record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season by a player is 32, achieved by Mohamed Salah during the 2017-2018 campaign.
Chelsea established the Premier League’s greatest goal difference of +71 in the 2009–2010 season, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength.
Petr Čech set a remarkable defensive record during the 2004-2005 season with 24 clean sheets, the most by a goalkeeper in a single Premier League season.

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How To

How to choose a Premier League club to support

It is possible to make a decision about which Premier League teams you want to support based on different factors. You may be attracted by the team's historical background, its geographical location, their playing style or even their most famous players and manager. Research the culture and values of the clubs which resonate with your own, perhaps a storied underdog or a team known for their commitment to attacking football. Attend several games, whether in person or on television, to feel the atmosphere and excitement around different teams. Your choice should be one that you feel emotionally and brings you joy.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/premier-league/the-cucurella-redemption-story-from-barcelona-outcast-to-chelseas-secret-weapon