Chelsea produced a stunning second-half performance to defeat Real Betis 4–1 in the UEFA Conference League final, becoming the first club in history to win all five of UEFA’s major men’s club competitions. Trailing at the break, the Blues stormed back with four goals in 25 minutes to seal their first piece of silverware under Enzo Maresca and end their European campaign in spectacular
Ezzalzouli Strikes Early as Betis Stun Chelsea
The final, held at the Tarczyński Arena in Wrocław, started with a shock for Chelsea. Real Betis took the lead in the ninth minute when Abde Ezzalzouli latched onto a clever pass from Isco and fired beyond Djordje Petrovic. The Spanish side looked confident and composed, comfortably controlling possession and carving out further chances that could have extended their lead.
Chelsea, who had cruised through the Conference League with relative ease, looked rattled. For the first time in the competition, they faced a team capable of testing them, and Betis looked every bit the side that finished sixth in La Liga. The Blues struggled to gain control in midfield, with their attacking players largely quiet in the first
Palmer’s Magic Turns the Tide
The second half saw a transformed Chelsea side. Reece James replaced Malo Gusto at right-back, and the tactical tweak from Maresca had an immediate impact. Cole Palmer, who was left out of the early rounds of the competition, showed his class when it mattered most.
In the 65th minute, Palmer curled in a dangerous ball from the right which Enzo Fernandez met with a powerful header to level the score. Just five minutes later, Palmer delivered again, whipping in a low cross that Nicolas Jackson bundled in at the near post to give Chelsea the lead.
Betis had no answer to Chelsea’s surge, and the Blues kept pressing. Substitute Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall threaded a perfectly timed pass through to Jadon Sancho, who curled a brilliant finish past Rui Silva to make it 3–1 with seven minutes left. In injury time, Moises Caicedo completed the rout with a long-range effort that deflected into the net.
History Made in Wrocław
This triumph marks a historic milestone for Chelsea, who have now won the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup, and Conference League. No other club can claim the full set of UEFA trophies. The result also ended a 22-year streak of Spanish clubs winning all-European finals they contested.
For Maresca, the trophy caps off a successful debut season in charge. Not only did he guide Chelsea to a top-four finish in the Premier League, but he also delivered their first major trophy since the 2022 Club World Cup. With a FIFA Club World Cup campaign looming in June, the momentum is firmly with the Blues.
Betis Fall Short Despite Bright Start
Real Betis, aiming to lift a first European trophy, will feel disappointed after such a promising opening half. They pressed Chelsea effectively and created chances, but their inability to maintain that pressure after the break proved costly. Isco’s creativity and Ezzalzouli’s early goal gave hope, but their defensive frailties were exposed as Chelsea surged forward.
