Antony explains why Real Betis could have the advantage over Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final: "Hopefully..."

Antony. (Deposit Photos)

Chelsea have the chance to end the 2024/25 season on a high when they face Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday.

After clinching Champions League qualification on the final day of the Premier League season with a win over Nottingham Forest, the Blues could make history in Wrocław, Poland. A victory would see them become the first club ever to win all three major European trophies.

Chelsea have previously lifted the Champions League in 2011–12 and 2020–21, and the Europa League in 2012–13 and 2018–19.

Beating Betis, however, will be no easy task.

Los Verdiblancos finished sixth in La Liga, enjoying a superb second half of the campaign. Since February, they've lost just three times – a turnaround that coincided with the arrival of Brazilian winger Antony on loan from Manchester United.

After a challenging spell at Old Trafford, the 25-year-old has rediscovered his form at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, scoring nine goals – including four in the Conference League – and providing five assists in 25 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Speaking ahead of the final in an interview with MARCA, Antony reflected on his resurgence at Betis and his struggles at United.

The Brazil international also addressed the upcoming clash with Chelsea, suggesting Betis may hold the upper hand.

"I know Chelsea a little, they're a very good team, I've played against them a few times," he explained. "But we're also a great team. We beat Real Madrid, who are the best club in the world, we drew with Barcelona, and it's a final – a different game, very important for us."

Antony pointed out that Betis may benefit from having more rest before the final. At their request, Betis played their last league match on Friday, while Chelsea were in action on Sunday.

"They have a very important game on Sunday," he said. "We have to be focused because it's just one game – we can't make mistakes, and hopefully we'll be champions."

Antony has endured a rough time at United. (Deposit Photos)

Antony is not the only one to raise the issue of preparation time.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who, after much speculation, will remain in charge of the club next season, also voiced his frustration at Betis being granted 48 extra hours to prepare.

"I'm not happy, 100% – you cannot allow another team 48 hours more when you play a European final," he said, according to BBC Sport.

"[Either we play Friday] or they play Sunday like us," he added. "I don't know if it is from La Liga, the Premier League, or UEFA, but if you ask people in this room if it's normal to play a final where another team has 48 hours more to prepare – it's not normal."

Time will tell if, as both Antony and Maresca suggest, the schedule gives Betis the upper hand.