Champions League features Chelsea, Betis continue their journey in Europe's elite competition.
On the 28th of May, the finale of the third most prestigious European competition, the Europa Conference League, will take place in Wroclaw. The showcase event pits English side Chelsea against Spanish team Betis. With a triumph in Poland, Chelsea could potentially secure England's second continental trophy within a week, following Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League victory. Before their journey to Poland, Chelsea secured a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Two Distinct Paths to Victory
Should Chelsea emerge victorious in Poland, they would gain the prerogative to choose which continental tournament they would contest in the following season. Naturally, their preference would lie with the Champions League, but UEFA stipulations also allow for less capable clubs to opt out of the competitive tier.
"Betis" (Spain) vs. "Chelsea" (England)
The Europa Conference League champion will receive entry to the Europa League for the subsequent season. A Chelsea win over Betis would provide the option to select which mega-tournament they commence in fall. Given their top-tier aspirations, the English team would undeniably opt for the Champions League. However, UEFA's regulations permits the opposite scenario for clubs with more limited capabilities who wish to avoid the intense competition of the Champions League.
Europa Conference League FinalDate: May 28, 2024 (Wednesday), 22:00 (MSK)Venue: Wroclaw (Poland). Stadion Miejski Wrocław (42,771)Referee: Pelto (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
"Бетис"
Wagering Odds for the Europa Conference League Final
| Outcome | Betfair | Winline ||-------------------|-----------|---------|| Betis | 7:2 | 6.50 || Chelsea | 1:1 | 2.20 |
"Челси"
A Labyrinthine Semi-Final for Betis
While Chelsea was discerning their Europa Conference League fate, they occupied themselves with a grueling battle within the English top flight. Five clubs battled for the Champions League spots in the final round, with "Manchester City" boasting 68 points, Chelsea equal on 66 with Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest, and the latter holding 65 points. Intriguingly, the latter two were squaring off against Chelsea in their final fixture, all matches commencing simultaneously.
Chelsea's Golden Youth Shines Once More
The game in Nottingham displayed remarkable caution from both sides, with little danger manifesting in the first half. However, Chelsea capitalized on their opportunity in the second, as Kai Havertz, surrounded by defenders, efficiently regained control of the ball and, with a deft pass, set up Levi Colwill for the winner. Chelsea's triumphologists recorded their seventh win in the last eight matches, rebuking critics who questioned the team's young average age of 24.1 years.
Chelsea concludes their Premier League campaign on a promising note, securing their berth in the UEFA Champions League after a two-year absence.
Травмы
The Road to the Polish Finale
Ло Чельсо, Д. Льоренте, Авила, Рока
With Betis' domestic campaign ending on the 27th of May, they have two extra days to prepare for the Polish finale. However, their transition to the finale has been fraught with difficulties. Over the past two weeks, Betis have played in four matches within La Liga, winning none and suffering a heavy defeat to Atletico (1-4). With this unfavorable run, they surrendered a single-point advantage over the fifth spot in La Liga, missing out on direct Champions League qualification.
Нкунку, В. Фофана
Selections from Brazil for Betis' Squad
Carlo Ancelotti, the new coach of the five-time world champions Brazil, has selected Betis' leader Nemanja Matic for the Brazilian national team following their domestic campaign. Antony, an exceptional Brazilian midfielder loaned from Manchester United during the winter, has been instrumental in Spain, scoring nine goals and producing five assists in 25 matches. His home goal against Valencia, despite not sealing the win, was undeniably a highlight of his final fixture in Spain.
Дисквалификации
Injuries and Suspensions
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Chelsea- Nkunku- V. Fofana
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Betis- Cholo- D. Llorente- Avila- Roca
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini is no stranger to Marseille, having mentored the Italian in the early 2010s and collaborating with him as an assistant coach at West Ham United. Both are bound to reunite on the largest stage when Betis and Chelsea face off in the finale. Their shared history offers a unique angle to this highly anticipated contest.
Previous Encounter
In an enthralling clash dating back to 2005, these two teams have faced each other on four occasions, with Chelsea boasting three victories and one draw. Their most recent encounter occurred during the 2005 Champions League group stage, when Chelsea won 4-0 in London.
Overall, winning the Europa Conference League has significant implications for a club's participation in upcoming European tournaments, offering a guaranteed spot in the Europa League next season and opening up potential entry to the more lucrative Champions League if they emerge victorious in the subsequent Europa League season.
Should Chelsea win the Europa Conference League, they would have the opportunity to choose whether to compete in the Champions League or the Europa League the following season, as winners of the Conference League gain entry to the Europa League.
Betis, on the other hand, would secure a spot in the Europa League if they lose the Europa Conference League final, having already qualified for Europa League by virtue of their domestic campaign.
