Chelsea secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday, completing an unprecedented sweep of all four major European trophies. The Blues’ dramatic comeback in the second half, powered by goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Moises Caicedo, marked the club’s first silverware since 2021 and the first under new ownership.
The match, held at the Wroclaw stadium, began with an early shock as Betis took the lead in the ninth minute. Abde Ezzalzouli capitalised on a midfield error by Chelsea’s Malo Gusto and converted a precise left-footed shot past Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. Real Betis’ enterprising start was backed by a lively home crowd and tactical savvy from coach Manuel Pellegrini.
However, Chelsea, coached by Enzo Maresca, returned a transformed side after halftime. The introduction of captain Reece James at the break sparked a shift in momentum. Cole Palmer emerged as the standout performer, creating two crucial assists in quick succession that changed the game’s complexion.
At 65 minutes, Palmer’s pinpoint cross found Fernandez, who deftly headed the ball past Betis goalkeeper Adrian to level the score. Five minutes later, Palmer repeated the trick with a sublime delivery that Jackson chest-controlled into the net, putting Chelsea ahead for the first time.
Betis goalkeeper Adrian thwarted several further chances, including a missed opportunity from Jackson. But Chelsea’s dominance continued as substitute Jadon Sancho secured the win with a goal in the 83rd minute, expertly finishing from a tight angle. Moises Caicedo added a late fourth to seal the emphatic victory.
Chelsea’s triumph makes history as the first club to win the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup. The victory is also significant as it is the first trophy since Todd Boehly’s consortium took ownership in 2022, following the era of Roman Abramovich.
The match also ended an extraordinary winning streak for Spanish sides in major finals. Prior to this game, Spanish teams had won all 27 men’s finals involving clubs from La Liga in various competitions including World Cups, European Championships, Champions League, and Europa League.
The atmosphere in Wroclaw was electric throughout the day. Betis fans, outnumbering their English counterparts, filled the city centre before kickoff. Unfortunately, tensions flared, and Poland’s interior ministry reported 28 arrests after clashes between rival supporters near the market square.
Match Highlights:
- Real Betis took an early lead in the 9th minute via Abde Ezzalzouli’s strike.
- Chelsea equalised at 65 minutes through Enzo Fernandez’s header, assisted by Cole Palmer.
- Nicolas Jackson put Chelsea ahead in the 70th minute following another assist from Palmer.
- Jadon Sancho extended the lead with a goal in the 83rd minute.
- Moises Caicedo scored a late fourth goal to complete the scoring.
Chelsea’s victory at Wroclaw signals a bright new chapter for the club, combining historic achievement with a promising future under new leadership.
