Fans have declared this the “year of the bird” and Betis have light-heartedly modified their crest to take advantage of omen
Real Betis have humorously redesigned their club crest to include a bird ahead of Wednesday’s Conference League final against Chelsea.
The Spanish side shared an image on social media featuring the bird at the centre of their badge, accompanied by the caption: “Presenting our badge for the Conference League final”.
Betis are hoping that the image will bring luck to their side as they face a Chelsea side who are far richer and have a much more expensive squad.
The light-hearted gesture is due to an interesting trend pointed out by football fans this season. Several clubs with symbols of birds on their badge have clinched major trophies.
Liverpool, adorned with the Liver bird, secured the Premier League title. Newcastle United, known as the Magpies, won the Carabao Cup. Crystal Palace, featuring an eagle on their crest, lifted the FA Cup against the much wealthier and more successful Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur, represented by a cockerel, ended their trophy drought with a Europa League triumph over Manchester United.
The modified crest is not actually going to appear on their jersey.
Under the guidance of manager Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis have reached their first-ever European final and are hoping to make more history by winning it.
Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, enter the final as favourites, boasting a squad valued at over £1 billion and having suffered only one defeat throughout the competition.
The Blues have already secured Champions League qualification through their performance in the Premier League while Betis have earned a spot in the Europa League by finishing sixth in La Liga.
The Conference League final is set to take place at the Wroclaw Stadium in Poland, where Betis will aim to defy the odds and add a historic European title to their achievements.
