Sabasports Match Preview
UEFA Conference League: Real Betis vs Chelsea
Kickoff Time: 2024-05-29 03:00(HKT)

Source:REUTERS/Marcelo del Pozo
In the last round of La Liga, Real Betis drew 1-1 with Valencia at home. Prior to the match, Real Betis had already secured sixth place in the league and had qualified for the Europa Conference League next season. Real Betis mainly plays with a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing possession-based play. This season, Real Betis has an average possession rate of 61% in the Europa Conference League, with 42% of their crosses coming from the flanks. Their primary scoring method involves crossing from the wings and midfield players making runs into the box. Notably, the addition of Antony has significantly enhanced the threat of Real Betis’ right-side attack; his chemistry with Isco is exceptional. Statistics show that 63% of Antony’s threatening passes are directed toward Isco. So far this season, Antony has participated in 25 games for Real Betis, scoring nine goals and contributing five assists.
In last weekend’s final round of the Premier League, Chelsea defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 away, securing fourth place and qualifying for the Champions League next season under the guidance of Enzo Maresca. Chelsea places emphasis on ball control and penetration, combining edge and center attacks in their tactical approach. On the left flank, Christopher Nkunku and Moises Caicedo form a skill-oriented penetration group; on the right side, they rely on Jadon Sancho’s speed and Cole Palmer’s movement to create depth. Effective coordination between wingers and midfielders creates opportunities for the striker up front. However, when faced with dense defense, Chelsea’s advancing rhythm is usually completely suppressed, and their apparent ball control proves fragile, making it easy for them to lose points in games with either too low or too high possession rates.
Undoubtedly, Chelsea’s overall strength, current form, and even reputation are superior to those of Real Betis. However, Real Betis often displays stronger fighting spirit when facing strong opponents; they have defeated Real Madrid and drawn with Barcelona this season. In the final stage, what the two teams compete for is not only strength but also strong mental resilience. All things considered, it seems reasonable to predict that Real Betis, known for performing better against stronger opponents, will remain unbeaten within regular time.
Real Betis’ Last 5 Games: DLDDL
25-05-24 Real Betis 1-1 Valencia
25-05-19 Atletico Madrid 4-1 Real Betis
25-05-16 Rayo Vallecano 2-2 Real Betis
25-05-12 Real Betis 1-1 Osasuna
25-05-09 Fiorentina 2-1 Real Betis (ET 0-1)
Chelsea’s Last 5 Games: WWLWW
25-05-25 Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
25-05-17 Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United
25-05-11 Newcastle United 2-0 Chelsea
25-05-09 Chelsea 1-0 Djurgaarden
25-05-04 Chelsea 3-1 Liverpool
Head To Head Record:
05-11-02 Real Betis 1-0 Chelsea
05-10-20 Chelsea 4-0 Real Betis
Prediction: Real Betis to win or Draw
