Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that tactical changes and injuries were key factors in his team's 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday.
Despite taking an early lead, the Spanish side collapsed in the second half as Chelsea mounted an impressive comeback with goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Moisés Caicedo.
First Half Dominance Undone
"We had a very good first half, we were the better side, scored a goal, and had a couple more chances," Pellegrini said in his post-match interview. "The game was heavily influenced by the changes. They hurt us more down that left flank."
The Chilean manager pointed out how quickly the momentum shifted: "They turned the match around in a matter of minutes."
Injuries Disrupt Betis' Plans
Pellegrini highlighted how injuries disrupted his team's defensive organization, particularly on the left side where Chelsea found increasing success as the match progressed.
"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.
Despite the heavy scoreline, Pellegrini insisted the gap between the teams wasn't as wide as the result suggested: "They are a tough opponent. The final scoreline, 4-1, didn't reflect the true gap between the two teams."
The victory marks Chelsea's first European trophy since their Champions League triumph in 2021, while Real Betis will need to regroup after coming up short in their quest for continental silverware.
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