Chelsea Set for Europa Conference League Final Clash with Real Betis

Chelsea have booked their place in the final of the Europa Conference League and will face Spanish side Real Betis in what promises to be a thrilling encounter later this month.

The Blues secured their spot on Thursday night with a narrow 1-0 victory over Djugarden at Stamford Bridge, comfortably progressing with a 5-1 aggregate win after their dominant performance in Sweden last week.

Enzo Maresca’s side came into the second leg as firm favourites following their emphatic 4-1 first-leg success, and with one eye on a crucial Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Sunday, the Italian manager opted to make 10 changes to his starting lineup.

Despite the heavy rotation, Chelsea controlled proceedings for much of the evening, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scoring the only goal of the match in the 38th minute. The midfielder finished calmly after a fine run and assist from young winger Tyrique George, who impressed in a rare senior appearance.

In the other semi-final, Real Betis needed extra time drama to edge past Fiorentina. After winning the first leg 2-1 in Seville, Betis took the lead in Italy through Antony, only to see Fiorentina fight back with two goals to force the tie level on aggregate.

With penalties looming, Abde Ezzalzouli emerged as Betis' hero, scoring the decisive goal in extra time to send the LaLiga outfit into the final and deny the Serie A side a shot at European silverware.

Chelsea and Real Betis will now meet in the Europa Conference League final later this month, with both clubs aiming to cap their seasons with a trophy. For Chelsea, it represents a chance to secure European silverware and build momentum for what remains a tight race for Champions League qualification via the Premier League.

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