Real Betis Held by Valencia in Final Tune-Up Before UEFA Europa Conference League Final
Real Betis and Valencia kicked off the final matchday of the La Liga 2024/25 season with a 1-1 draw — a result that served as a low-stakes send-off for both sides, but carried added significance for the Andalusian club as they prepare for their upcoming European showdown with Chelsea.
Already secured of a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa League, Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis used the match as a crucial dress rehearsal ahead of the UEFA Europa Conference League Final, scheduled for May 28 in Wrocław. The fixture was strategically moved to Friday to give the team additional recovery and preparation time ahead of their biggest match of the season.
For Valencia, the game was little more than a formality. Having pulled off an impressive ten-match unbeaten run to climb out of the relegation battle and finish 12th, the Los Che faithful can breathe a sigh of relief after a turbulent campaign under pressure.
While the encounter lacked the intensity of a must-win clash, Betis will take valuable minutes and match sharpness into their final, where they will face Chelsea in a battle for continental silverware and glory.
2024-25, Spain - La Liga
Real Betis - Valencia 1:1 (1:0)
Goals: Antony M., 40 (1:0); Rafa Mir, 75 (1:1)
Real Betis: Adrian; Bartra (Mendy N., 73); Natan; Rodriguez (Perraud, 76); Altimira; Fornals; Caraballo (Ezzalzouli, 60); Antony M.; Cucho (Bakambu, 60); Isco (Carvalho W., 73); Ruibal
Bench: Fernandes G.; Pallarés; Garcia P.; Flores M.; Ortiz A.
Yellow Cards: Natan 90
Valencia: Mamardashvili; Mosquera Cr.; Diakhaby M.; Tarrega; Vázquez Je.; Barrenechea; Moreno J. (Jaime I., 68); Almeida D.A. (Pepelu, 84); Pérez Fr. (Rioja L., 56); Sadiq U. (Duro, 56); López D. (Rafa Mir, 68)
Bench: Domenech J.; Dimitrievski; Guillamon; Aarons; Foulquier; Hernandis; Gaya
Yellow Cards: Tarrega 59; Rafa Mir 83; Duro 90
