The UEFA Conference League semi-final second legs lit up the evening with drama, as Chelsea and Real Betis booked their tickets to the final. Djurgården and Fiorentina were both knocked out.
The games, held in London and Florence, delivered moments of tactical brilliance, individual flair, and emotional highs. Fans can now look forward to a high-stakes final on May 28 at Stadion Wrocław in Poland.
Chelsea returned to Stamford Bridge with a healthy 4-1 lead from their first-leg win in Stockholm. The pressure was light, but the Blues remained focused from start to finish.
They wrapped up the job with a 1-0 win, thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s composed strike in the 38th minute. The goal came after a smooth team move that sliced through Djurgården’s defense.
Despite rotating heavily—making ten changes from their last Premier League outing—Chelsea dominated the ball, finishing with 62% possession. Their control of the game was never in doubt.
The Blues created several openings and dictated the tempo in midfield. At the back, Reece James led with calm authority, helping Chelsea keep a clean sheet on home soil.
This win sends Chelsea to their eighth major European final. It’s another big night in the club’s long list of continental achievements.
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Interestingly, Chelsea have now advanced in all 17 European knockout ties after winning the first leg away. That’s a staggering record that highlights their resilience in two-legged affairs.
The result might’ve seemed predictable, but Chelsea handled their business with professional poise. Wrocław now awaits what could be another European trophy night for the London club.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca summed it up with calm pride: “Very happy – the job is done tonight, and now we have almost 20 days to prepare for this final. Hopefully, we can win this trophy.”
He added, “We set our sights at the start of the season to get as far as we can in this tournament, and it has been a long couple of months. But, one more game to go and, hopefully, we can lift that trophy.”
Djurgården coach Jani Honkavaara struck an emotional note, reflecting on their campaign: “I think everybody was a bit disappointed after the game. But, I have a smile on my face because we just have to be really proud of what we did as a team. We did it together with our fans, this long journey. I wouldn’t change it. It’s been historic.”
In Florence, Real Betis battled Fiorentina to a 2-2 draw after extra time, sealing a 4-3 aggregate win and reaching their first-ever European final.
Betis came in with a 2-1 advantage from Seville. Fiorentina flipped the tie, though, with Robin Gosens scoring twice (34’, 42’) in the first half to make it 2-1 on the night.
That made it 3-3 on aggregate. But Betis weren’t done.
In the 97th minute, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli struck decisively, silencing the Stadio Artemio Franchi and sending the Spanish side through.
Fiorentina had 55% possession and fired off 15 shots, but couldn’t convert when it mattered. Their dream of a third straight Conference League final ended in heartbreak.
Coach Raffaele Palladino broke it down plainly:
“Betis scored first via Antony’s free-kick, then we equalized with two goals and controlled the second half. We had a chance for a third but conceded in extra time.”
Betis captain Isco couldn’t hide his delight:
“Happy and proud to be in the final. It was a very tough game; we didn’t make the most of our chances and suffered against a great opponent, but we scored in extra time.”
As for Chelsea, their run has been dominant—11 wins from 12 matches, with only one draw. The semi-final showed off their squad depth, including 16-year-old Reggie Walsh, now the club’s youngest European starter.
Betis, on the other hand, showed grit, composure, and adaptability. They’ve passed every test under Manuel Pellegrini’s guidance, peaking when it mattered most.
The stage is now set.
May 28, 2025, at Stadion Wrocław, will see Chelsea’s pedigree clash with Betis’ passion. One side aims to expand their European collection. The other dreams of lifting their first continental silverware.
It’s shaping up to be a final with everything—experience, hunger, and tactical dexterity.
