Chelsea chase history in Wroclaw as they aim to become the first club to win all four major UEFA competitions. Standing in their way are Real Betis, eyeing their first-ever European trophy in a final that pits Premier League ambition against La Liga flair.
Real Betis: Underdogs with firepower and belief
Real Betis arrive in Poland buoyed by a dramatic semi-final escape against Fiorentina, where a last-gasp Abde Ezzalzouli goal sealed progression. Manuel Pellegrini’s side may have stumbled domestically with four winless games to close out La Liga, but their sixth-place finish ensures Europa League football regardless of Wednesday’s outcome. With Isco and Antony revitalised under Pellegrini and Cedric Bakambu leading the scoring charts, Betis pose a dangerous threat to Chelsea’s continental crown bid.
Chelsea: Eyes on history, not just silverware
A top-four Premier League finish secured their Champions League return, but Chelsea’s desire to complete the full UEFA trophy set keeps their hunger intact. Enzo Maresca’s young side has grown stronger as the season progressed, brushing aside Djurgardens in the last four. With Cole Palmer pulling strings and Nicolas Jackson back from suspension, the Blues will look to dominate in what will be their 13th European final. A ninth European title beckons—if they pass this Spanish test.
Team News
Chelsea will welcome back Nicolas Jackson for the final, with the striker available again after a domestic suspension. Christopher Nkunku was not involved against Forest but has trained, and could feature. Romeo Lavia remains ineligible, while Mudryk, Fofana, Anselmino, and Kellyman are all ruled out. Maresca may rotate slightly, with Dewsbury-Hall, Gusto, and Chalobah among those pushing to start.
Betis, meanwhile, are without Bellerin, Llorente, Roca, and Avila due to injury, while Giovani Lo Celso is a doubt with a muscular issue. Sabaly and Cardoso return to fitness and should be key in a reshuffled backline. Veteran striker Bakambu, one goal shy of the competition’s top scorer, leads the line again.
Predicted Line-ups
Real Betis:
Vieites; Sabaly, Bartra, Natan, R. Rodriguez; Cardoso, Altimira; Antony, Isco, Fornals; Bakambu
Chelsea:
Jorgensen; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
