Pat Nevin has cautioned Chelsea against underestimating Real Betis ahead of their UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday in Wroclaw. Despite Chelsea’s dominant run—winning all six group games and progressing smoothly past FC Copenhagen, Legia Warsaw, and Djurgårdens IF without their strongest squad—Nevin doubts that the Blues are overwhelming favorites.
Nevin points to Real Betis’ impressive performances this season, including a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid and two draws with Barcelona in La Liga, as evidence of the quality Betis bring to the final. The Spanish side boasts several former Premier League players such as Giovani Lo Celso, Pablo Fornals, and Antony, currently on loan from Manchester United, all of whom could trouble Chelsea’s defense.
Additionally, Nevin highlighted Isco, a former Real Madrid star, as a key player capable of disrupting Chelsea’s rhythm. Reflecting on Lo Celso and Fornals, who struggled to make a lasting impact in the Premier League but have flourished at Betis, Nevin suggests that timing and club fit matter greatly for players’ success.
Nevin emphasized that while Chelsea are favorites in England, the European perspective is more balanced given Real Betis’ strong season. He described the final as a clash between two teams above the usual level of the competition and suggested the event might be more fitting for Real Betis. Chelsea, meanwhile, are seen as a club rebuilding and aiming to climb back to the top.
A win for Chelsea would not only secure their first trophy under BlueCo ownership but also make them the first club to win all three major European competitions since the Europa Conference League’s introduction in 2021-22. The final promises to be a significant and competitive encounter for both sides.