Chelsea triumphed in the UEFA Conference League final with a commanding 4-1 win over Real Betis in Wroclaw, Poland. A flat first half gave way to a fiery second-half display after manager Enzo Maresca made key changes.
Real Betis Strike First, Chelsea Struggle Early
Real Betis took the lead just nine minutes into the game, as Abde Ezzalzouli finished a clever no-look pass from Isco. Chelsea looked disjointed and lacked urgency, with Betis dominating possession and pace.
Maresca responded at halftime by replacing underperforming Malo Gusto with captain Reece James. The tactical switch reignited the Blues.
Cole Palmer Turns the Game Around
Chelsea’s comeback was sparked by Cole Palmer, who found space and dictated the second half with creativity and vision. His impact was immediate and devastating.
Minute 65: Palmer whipped in a perfect cross for Enzo Fernandez, who glanced a header into the net to level the score.
Minute 70: Another Palmer delivery was met by Nicolas Jackson, who bundled it in to give Chelsea the lead.
Impact from the Bench Secures the Win
The momentum stayed firmly with Chelsea as their substitutes sealed the victory.
Minute 84: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall intercepted a throw-in and passed to Jadon Sancho, who cut inside and curled a brilliant finish into the corner.
In Added Time: Moises Caicedo fired home from the edge of the box to complete the 4-1 rout and spark celebrations across the Chelsea fanbase.
Chelsea Achieve Historic European Feat
With this win, Chelsea become the first club to win all three major UEFA trophies — the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. They also broke a 24-year streak by becoming the first non-Spanish team to defeat a Spanish club in a European final since 2001.
Enzo Maresca Reflects on a Tale of Two Halves
Speaking after the match, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca said:
“We didn’t play with intensity in the first half. I expected it — we were still feeling the joy from our last game. But in the second half, we showed who we really are.”
Reece James Steps Up When Called
Captain Reece James, who started on the bench, said:
“It was tough not to start a final. But I had to stay ready. We came out firing after halftime and showed what we’re made of.”
Cole Palmer Named Player of the Match
Cole Palmer’s two assists and overall brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award. Pundits praised his vision and timing.
Sky Sports analyst Lewis Jones said:
“Palmer is more than a talent — he’s a gamechanger. Chelsea and England should build their future around him.”
Scoreline and Scorers
Real Betis 1-4 Chelsea
Goals:
- Real Betis: Ezzalzouli (9’)
- Chelsea: Fernandez (65’), Jackson (70’), Sancho (84’), Caicedo (90+)
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