Conference League final: A comprehensive analysis of the clash between Betis and Chelsea

As European football heats up, the Conference League final is set to offer fans a high-level of football. In the decisive match in Poland, Spanish club Betis will face English giants Chelsea. Both teams reached the final in different situations, with different spirits and under different scenarios. Let's analyze the teams' situation, structural problems and opportunities ahead of this clash.

Betis - A team that reached the final through a long and difficult path

Manuel Pellegrini's Betis have not been distinguished by their consistency this season. In particular, in the last five matches of the season, the team has not been able to record a single win: one major defeat (1:4 to Atletico Madrid) and four draws. Nevertheless, the team reached the final through an invincible spirit and strategic approach. The long journey from the qualifiers to the final shows how much work it took to achieve this success.

There are serious losses in the team

Betis lost a number of important players before the final. In defense, Bellerin and Llorente, in attack, Avila, and in goal, the main goalkeeper Fran Vietes are unknown. His replacement Adrian is experienced, but he will need to play at a higher level. The participation of players such as Youssef Sabali and Johnny Cardoso is also questionable.

Betis - When they score, they rarely lose

This season, Betis have rarely lost when they score the first goal in the play-offs of the Conference League. This is a testament to the team's resilience and ability to maintain an advantage. The 0-1 defeat against Gent was an exception. In this regard, opening the scoring in the final will be very important for Betis.

Chelsea — In the mood for a new era

The end of the season has ended well for Chelsea. Enzo Maresca's men have beaten Manchester United and Nottingham Forest 1-0 in their last two matches to secure a place in the Champions League. The team is highly motivated ahead of the final — they have lost just once in their last 12 matches and won the remaining 11. Ending the season with a European trophy would be the ideal scenario for the London club.

Squad losses — But consistent form remains

Chelsea are known to be without central defender Wesley Fofana and attacking midfielder Omari Kellyman ahead of the final. Strikers such as Nkunku and Marc Giuly are also likely to be absent. Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca made almost no changes to the starting lineup against Nottingham Forest. Nicholas Jackson and goalkeeper Jorgensen are expected to start in the final.

Problems in attack - Only one goal...

In the last four matches, Chelsea have managed to score only 3 goals, and only 1 goal per game. However, the team is creating an average of 3 xG (chance taken) per game. So the problem is not in creating chances, but in converting them. If this problem is not solved in the final, Betis' response could be very unpleasant.

Conclusion: Who are the favorites?

Based on the information at hand, Chelsea have the advantage in terms of experience, organizational stability and morale. However, for teams like Betis, such finals are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If Pellegrini's men open the scoring first, it will not be easy for the "aristocrats" to respond.

The Conference League final could make history - both teams deserve to win in their own way. This clash in Poland on June 5 will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting finals in Europe this summer.