Palmer, Antony battle for European bragging rights

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Cole Palmer and Antony will take centre stage as Chelsea and Betis clash for history in the Conference League final this evening, writes Dylan Johnson.

Chelsea and Real Betis meet in the UEFA Conference League final, with silverware and history on the line. For Betis, it’s a first European final in club history.

For Chelsea, it’s a chance to cap a turbulent campaign with a trophy—and to become the first club to win all four major UEFA competitions. But above all, the final in Wrocław sets the stage for two of the competitors standout players, Cole Palmer and Antony.

Now in his second season at Stamford Bridge, Palmer has grown into Chelsea’s most influential figure. The 22-year-old has delivered 15 goals and 8 assists in the Premier League this term, leading the team in both categories. In the Conference League, he has added 3 goals and 4 assists, showcasing his ability to perform on the European stage.

Deployed in various attacking roles by Enzo Maresca, Palmer has thrived on freedom. Dropping deep, finding space between the lines, and linking play with intelligent movement and decisive end product.

For Betis, Antony has emerged as their key weapon in Europe. On loan from Manchester United, the Brazilian winger has looked rejuvenated under Manuel Pellegrini.

He’s recorded 5 goals and 4 assists in the Conference League, including a stunning semi-final second leg in Florence, where he scored a direct free-kick and set up Abde Ezzalzouli’s dramatic 97th-minute winner. While his La Liga numbers are more modest—3 goals and 2 assists—his European form has carried Betis all the way to Wrocław.

Palmer will seek to stretch Betis’ midfield and punish any lapses in concentration. Antony, in contrast, will target Chelsea’s full-backs on the break, looking to isolate defenders in transition.

On the sidelines, Pellegrini brings deep European experience, having managed in five different countries and won the Premier League with Manchester City. Maresca, a former assistant to Pep Guardiola, is navigating his first top-flight season as a head coach—but already has Chelsea back in the Champions League and on the verge of silverware.

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

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Dylan Johnson