Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has offered a candid explanation for his team’s crushing 4–1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea in the UEFA Europa Conference League final on Wednesday, May 28.
The Spanish side, who had taken a promising 1–0 lead into halftime, were overwhelmed in the second half as Chelsea scored four unanswered goals through Enzo Fernández, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Moisés Caicedo.
In his post-match remarks, Pellegrini pointed to injuries and tactical adjustments as critical turning points in the game, particularly Chelsea’s ability to exploit Betis down the left flank.
“We had a very good first half, we were the better side, scored a goal, and had a couple more chances,” Pellegrini said.
“The game was heavily influenced by the changes. They hurt us more down that left flank.”
The veteran coach singled out the forced substitution of Ricardo Esgaio as a moment that unraveled their defensive structure.
“Ricardo Esgaio had the left side under control. They didn’t trouble us there initially, but the injuries happened, and we couldn’t maintain the rhythm we expected,” he explained.
“They are a tough opponent. The final scoreline, 4–1, didn’t reflect the true gap between the two teams.”
