Isco and Palmer's heavenly duel to decide Conference League final

Some players captivate crowds with their every move, possessing that certain "something" that sets them apart. The feint and turn that change the course of a play, the impossible pass, the goal scored in the smallest of spaces.

In Warsaw, a dazzling display of skill will unfold on the pitch for the Conference League trophy, but truly game-changing quality belongs only to a select few. Isco Alarcon and Cole Palmer are indisputably the standout names of this final. It is the first ever European final in Real Betis' history.

For Chelsea, it caps a year that has confirmed their return to the Champions League. Antony, Lo Celso, Enzo Fernandez, Jadon Sancho... the list of high-calibre players runs long.

Yet there is something about these two angel-faced devils that makes them special. When the ball is at their feet, football takes on a celestial sound. Within this duel, Chelsea's status as favourites is no accident. Looking deeper, they boast more stars than their rivals.

Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and even Mykhailo Mudryk, who has talent in abundance but struggles to deliver consistently. A quick glance reveals astronomical signings, wages unattainable in La Liga, and an excess of similar attacking midfield profiles due to erratic planning. But always, always, Cole Palmer stands out.

Palmer breaks free from form dip

Even though this is not Palmer's best season. The Wythenshawe-born attacking midfielder touched the sublime under Mauricio Pochettino, who revitalised him in his first year away from Manchester City.

'Cold' Palmer registered an impressive 25 goals and 15 assists (40 goal contributions) and then, though not a starter, made waves for England at the Euros with an assist to Watkins to knock out the Netherlands in the 91st minute and scored the temporary equaliser in the final against Spain, though teammates Marc Cucurella and Mikel Oyarzabal had other plans.

This season, under Enzo Maresca, his stats have dipped to 15 goals and nine assists in 45 appearances. In the Conference League, he has provided just one assist and not scored, all his goals coming in the Premier League.

The key fact is that of his entire tally, 12 goals and six assists came in 2024, a campaign that started with a hat-trick of assists against Wolves and a four-goal haul versus Brighton. In 2025, just three goals and one assist across 24 matches.

The midfielder's dry spell made headlines and led Maresca to acknowledge Palmer was going through a difficult "mental process". He went without a goal from 14 January until 4 May, when he scored a penalty in Chelsea's win over Liverpool.

The absence of Nico Jackson in February and March affected him as the two had forged a strong partnership. In fact, Jackson has provided more assists to Palmer (four) than vice versa (two) this season, though that alone cannot explain the drop-off.

Still, Palmer reignited his form on his return, albeit adapting his style. The 23-year-old international has improved recently by drifting away from the central areas, moving to the right flank and focusing more on making runs than always seeking the ball at his feet.

While Fornals and Cardoso will need to be vigilant, Palmer will also trouble Ricardo Rodriguez and force Abde or Jesus Rodriguez—whoever Pellegrini selects—to work hard. Real Betis' defensive setup faces a demanding task, relying on the brilliance of their forwards to snatch victory in a very tough final.

Isco bounces back from injury with impressive form

This is where Isco Alarcon must emerge to give shape to every Betis attack, whether driving counter-attacks or seeking moments of magic in static play.

It will be interesting to see who concedes possession first, as it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect a Betis side dominating possession superficially while Chelsea, armed with pace on the wings, waits for an error from Pellegrini's men.

Isco's football redemption at the Benito Villamarin is complete. His first season was a success and earned him a call-up for the Euros, but a fibula injury at the worst possible moment not only ruled him out of the tournament in Germany but also sidelined him for the first half of this campaign. Isco did not return until 7 December in his side's 2-2 draw with Barcelona.

In this half-season, he has already bettered last year's numbers with 12 goals and 10 assists, boosted by the emergence of an electrifying Antony alongside him.

Thanks to his performances, albeit with some effort, Luis de la Fuente has included him in the Spanish squad for the Nations League Final Four. It seems he has finally found a place despite the wealth of midfield talent in La Roja.

As mentioned, his game goes beyond statistics. It is about composure, the perfect touch, a turn, the quick one-two in tight spaces. Seeing him roam the pitch searching for the ball will be a good omen for Betis as they face a monumental challenge.

The involvement of Lo Celso, Fornals, and a lively Abde will be vital for their hopes. But if Isco does not have a big game, the Verdiblancos will be at a greater disadvantage.