"We owe one to the fans, and we’re going to repay them," said a tearful Isco Alarcón, captain of Real Betis, after the crushing 1–4 loss to Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League final. The Málaga-born playmaker didn’t hide his disappointment at missing the chance to bring home the club’s first European title, but assured that the team will keep fighting.

A harsh blow after dreaming of glory

Real Betis took the lead during a strong first half in which they managed to contain the English side’s attacking power. However, everything changed after the break. “We had a good first half, they didn’t create many chances. But in the second half, they ran over us,” admitted Isco, visibly emotional in the mixed zone.

The former Real Madrid player explained that the team dropped too deep after going ahead, something that proved costly. “We talked about it in the locker room, but we still sat back too much. Against a team like Chelsea, with so much quality and so many options, you just can’t make mistakes. In a European final, mistakes cost you.”

Hope remains alive despite the setback

Despite the tough loss, the Betis captain had a clear message: the commitment to the fans remains unshaken. “It really hurts that we couldn’t give them this trophy. But this fanbase is something else — they’re our energy. We’re going to keep pushing, and I’m sure that sooner or later we’ll bring them joy,” said Isco, who was one of the most applauded players after the final whistle.

Betis end the season with the bitterness of a lost final but also with the confidence of having taken an important step forward on the European stage. With a more solid project in place and figures like Isco leading with experience and heart, the Verdiblancos are already looking forward to the redemption that football — sooner or later — always brings.