BRESLAVIA, Poland — Isco Alarcón is experiencing a resurgence this season with Real Betis, and he is poised to lead the Spanish club to its first European title. The Betis captain has a chance to lift the historic trophy if his team secures victory against England’s Chelsea in the Conference League final on Wednesday.
“As you get closer to playing in a final, you visualize moments and things that could happen,” Isco shared Tuesday. “The important thing is to focus on the match; it will be difficult, but it would be the first title at a European level in Betis’s history. It would be a source of pride to lift it as captain.”
Real Betis previously achieved success in La Liga, winning the title in the 1934-35 season and claiming three Copa del Rey trophies, the most recent being in 2022. However, the club has yet to win a European title, having never progressed beyond the quarter-finals in any competition.
When discussing the differences between the two finalists, Isco highlighted Chelsea’s financial power, stating, “Above all, money.” Nevertheless, he emphasized that both teams are filled with talented players, adding, “What we have the most is enthusiasm, and that is an advantage for us.”
Isco’s impressive performance this season has earned him a recall to the Spanish national team after a long absence. He was selected by coach Luis de la Fuente on Monday for the Nations League semi-final against France on June 5 in Stuttgart, marking his first call-up since 2019.
After nearly ten years with Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles and three La Liga trophies, Isco returned to southern Spain, first playing for Sevilla in 2022-23 and then shining at Betis over the past two seasons.
Betis is also bolstered by the experience of Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini, who won the Premier League title with Manchester City in 2014. Pellegrini previously managed West Ham when Chelsea’s current coach, Enzo Maresca, was his assistant.
The squad also includes midfield player Pablo Fornals, who won the Conference League with West Ham in 2023. Isco expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities, stating, “We trust our squad; we’ve proven we can beat anyone.”
This match represents a significant opportunity for Real Betis, a chance not just for a trophy but to solidify their place in European football history. The combination of Isco’s revitalized form and a strong supporting cast under Pellegrini’s guidance could make for an exhilarating showdown.