Fornals and Antonio Share Emotional Reunion Before Conference League Final as Chelsea Crush Betis Dream

Fornals and Antonio’s Touching Reunion Before the Big Night

It’s not every day you see two former teammates reconnecting before the biggest match of their season. That’s exactly what happened as Michail Antonio, doing pre-match duties for TNT Sports, caught up with Pablo Fornals on the sidelines just before the UEFA Conference League final between Real Betis and Chelsea. The pair, who once celebrated glory together at West Ham, didn’t hold back on the nostalgia or their honest views about what the night could bring.

Antonio, no stranger to the big occasion, shared a genuine hug with Fornals and dived straight into their memories. Fornals was part of the West Ham squad that made history two years ago—lifting the Conference League trophy in Prague, a first for an English club. That bond meant their conversation was more than just small talk. It was about history, missed chances, and grabbing that rare shot at immortality once again.

The Spanish midfielder wasn’t shy about his ambitions. "Chelsea are a big club, but in this competition, on the night, anything can happen. We have the experience of having won this trophy before, and that counts for a lot," Fornals said, his voice trembling with a mix of nerves and excitement. He’d seen both sides of a final: the thrill of victory with West Ham and now the weight of expectation at Betis.

Praising Pellegrini, Chasing History, and Facing Harsh Reality

Fornals took a moment to shine a light on Manuel Pellegrini, Betis’ mastermind and his former West Ham coach. "Mr. Pellegrini has been massive for this club. He’s been here for years and has done fantastically well. Not just this season, but he has brought us into European football consistently. If we are in this final, it’s because of him and the work he has done. I don’t think there’s any coach in Betis’ history who has done better," Fornals said, giving his manager all the credit for the club’s transformation.

• Pellegrini’s tactical changes put Betis on the European map.
• The connection between coach and player runs deep—both share West Ham roots and a hunger for continental success.

Antonio, torn between his old teammate and the lure of a Chelsea upset, made it clear where his loyalty stood. He was openly rooting for Betis, hoping Fornals and Pellegrini could recreate magic together.

But football can be cruel. Fornals, reflecting on his last final, admitted he didn’t play as much as he’d hoped when West Ham made history. This time, he was desperate to do more than watch from the bench. "It could be unreal man, to win this trophy again, especially with the connection to West Ham and the manager. Hopefully, it will be the same result for us," he said, belief ringing in every word.

The game, however, had other ideas. Chelsea, galvanized after falling behind early, roared back to take the spotlight away from Fornals and Betis. A 4-1 comeback left the Spanish midfielder devastated—a stark reminder of how quickly football dreams can unravel. Reports say Fornals could barely hold back tears during the post-match ceremony, the weight of the missed opportunity hanging heavy on his shoulders.

The Conference League final gave us more than just a winner—it showed the heartbreak and hope that run through every big night in football. Fornals’ story, from West Ham glory to Betis heartbreak with his old friend cheering him on, brings that to the surface in a way few moments can.