For the first time in its history, Betis will compete tonight (at 22:00, CS1) for a European trophy, while Chelsea is looking for its first title of the new era. And although the Conference League trophy may not… shine as brightly for the Blues, for Betis it represents a historic opportunity.
This year, at the very least, has proven to be the year of… underdogs, the season of surprises that keep their hopes alive! Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca in the press conference made it clear that the Conference League could mark the beginning of a new era for Chelsea. “It’s an opportunity to build a winning mentality,” said the Italian, ending any talk of underestimation.
Enzo Maresca, the rookie’s gamble
When he took over in the summer of 2024, few expressed complete confidence from the start. Maresca’s work at Leicester was promising, but Chelsea’s bench had other demands—especially since the Blues were still finding their footing under new management. Finishing 6th last season was considered acceptable given the club’s ambitions, and the former Olympiacos player took on the difficult role of rebuilding from the very beginning.
About twelve months later, everyone can now confidently admit that the mission… has been accomplished. Although Chelsea experienced ups and downs, especially during 2025, under Maresca’s leadership they reached the top four after the last-match thriller at “City Ground” against Nottingham, and next season will compete in the Champions League.
Next year, Maresca will no longer need to persuade his players to focus on European games—unlike this year, when he had to “sell” the Conference League.
“Perhaps the most complicated thing this season in the Conference League was convincing the players that this is the top competition in the world for us. And the reason was that it’s the tournament we participate in. We won’t be playing in the Champions League if we’re in the Conference League, nor in the Europa League.”
“We are in the Conference, so for us, it’s the most important tournament, and we must try to win it. If we can keep winning, it’s always good, especially because we will continue building a winning mentality,” he explained a few days before the final, where he will have the chance to win his first trophy with Chelsea.
With Pellegrini as Sevilla’s boss
Just ten years ago, Betis returned to La Liga with Pep Mel leading and players like Theobaldos and Castro. The years passed, and Betis is playing tonight its first European final in the Conference League against Chelsea, having secured European qualification for the fifth consecutive year.
They won the Spanish Cup in 2022, and the new “Benito Villamarín” will be a reality in two years. The team is experiencing a period of happiness and sporting success. A large part of the success is attributed to Manuel Pellegrini, who has an ongoing contract renewal discussion with the club.
The Chilean, at 71 years old (71 years and 254 days), could become the oldest coach to win a European title. He has led Betis for five consecutive European appearances, something unprecedented in the club’s history. He achieved this by perfectly adapting his work to the club’s needs, transmitting a victorious mentality that his players have fully embraced. The “manquepierda,” an example of dedication and compromise for many, no longer has a place here.
Betis finally responds athletically to its loyal and tireless fanbase. Ambition and high standards are the hallmarks of the Chilean, who built a team with as many European appearances in five years as in the previous thirty. Never before has Betis had so many consecutive years in La Liga, but they want even more. A new stadium, an organized club, and of course, Pellegrini’s renewal. With a contract until 2026, both sides will sit down to discuss extending their cooperation regardless of the outcome of the final.
Despite financial difficulties (the club went bankrupt in 2011 and was wound up in 2019), they managed to bring in players like Fekir, Guardado, Bravo, Antony, Isco, Lo Celso, Barrera, and Carvalho, ending seasons of mediocrity and the dominance of their eternal rivals, Sevilla. Now, in the capital of Andalusia, Betis is the boss.
Isco, the young talent turned teacher
Once at Real Madrid, he was the youthful talent, the clever magician who brought a different air to Madrid with his youth and enthusiasm. Twelve years after moving to the Spanish capital, Isco retains his magic but now as Betis’s “teacher.” In Andalusia, the Spaniard found his lost passion for football again.
After some difficult years at Real Madrid and Sevilla, his transfer to Betis in 2023 rejuvenated him. A few months later, Isco rewarded Betis for their trust by helping them reach their first European final in history.
He won everything at Real Madrid, but a title with Betis would have a different meaning. Especially considering that at 33, Isco is regarded as the face of this team, even if Bakambu was the “gun” who led them to the final with his goals.
With his aura, quality, calmness, and the guidance of others on the pitch, Isco is the heart and mind of Betis, and an European trophy would add even more sparkle to his unique journey in European football.
Anthony, like from a dream!
Rarely does a winter loan transfer turn out as successful for the player and the club as Anthony’s move from Manchester United to Betis. Brilliant goals against Fiorentina, and his team celebrates its first European participation. When the second match against Fiorentina finished, Anthony burst into tears, avoiding hugs from teammates, instead applauding the Spanish fans. Before the Conference League final, the numbers tell the truth.
Anthony has scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists in 25 games for Betis. He has been recognized as one of the best players in Spain in the second half of the season. The contrast with six months ago is striking—back then, he was unwanted at United, and his career seemed hanging by a thread. Betis dared, despite his tumultuous personal life and accusations of assault against his partner. The Andalusians focused more on Anthony’s difficult childhood in a favela in São Paulo than on legal issues.
There was no harsh criticism from the media or opponents. Anthony quickly regained confidence. He was the top player in the 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, followed by another impressive goal in the 4-0 win against Vitória Guimarães that sent Betis to the quarter-finals of the Conference League. His numbers at Betis are much better than at United, with more goals, assists, and appearances.
Pellegrini called him “a special case,” a great talent who came bravely to face difficulties and mature. In an interview, he said: “The most important thing to play football is to be happy. I have been smiling from day one here.” In an interview with TNT Sports Brazil, Anthony revealed that he went through very tough times, with days when he didn’t want to eat or leave his room, and he is grateful to his family and God for managing to turn things around. Betis is already thinking about how to keep him after the loan ends.
In the last home game of the season (1-1 with Valencia), when Anthony scored another impressive goal, 51,141 fans cheered for him to stay, and the jersey with the nickname “Antonio of Triana” was once again raised, showing his bond with the city. He responded: “Betis will always be in my life; the love they have shown me here is enormous.”
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