Chelsea come from behind to record a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday night, with the Blues creating European history.
Chelsea came from behind to record a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday night.
Manuel Pellegrini‘s side took the lead in the ninth minute of the contest through Abde Ezzalzouliand Real Betis were much the better side in the opening 45 minutes against a Chelsea outfit that looked short of ideas.
However, Cole Palmer came to the forefront for the Blues in the second period, setting up both Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson to score, before Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo netted late on, as Enzo Maresca‘s side secured the Conference League trophy in style.
Chelsea have created history, becoming the first European team to triumph in all five of UEFA’s major men’s senior club competitions, having secured success in the Champions League, the Europa League, the UEFA Super Cup, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and now the Conference League.
It was the Palmer show in the second period, with the ex-Manchester City youngster turning up when his team needed him most, as Real Betis suffered European heartache after such a strong first-half performance.
There has been much criticism surrounding Chelsea and their head coach Maresca this term, but a major European trophy has been secured, while the team finished fourth in the Premier League table to claim a return to the Champions League.
Palmer now has five goal contributions in five finals at senior level, and he showed that he is very much the go-to man for Chelsea despite not always been at his best during the 2024-25 campaign.
In truth, it would have been a major shock if Chelsea had not won the Conference League this season considering their pedigree, but Real Betis can be proud of what they contributed in the competition this term.
Ultimately, Chelsea’s power and energy saw them claim the trophy, as Real Betis had put so much into the opening 45 minutes.
Chelsea are a club that have been criticised in recent years, but the future is suddenly looking very bright for the Blues, who are planning to make some more standout signings during this summer’s transfer window.
Real Betis make the breakthrough in the ninth minute of the final through Ezzalzouli, with the attacker collecting a pass from Isco before firing the ball into the bottom corner – what a finish from the Morocco international.
Chelsea level the scores in the 65th minute of the contest, as Fernandez heads a brilliant delivery from Palmer into the back of the net – that is a wonderful assist from the England international.
Chelsea take the lead in the Conference League final, and it is Palmer with another assist, with the attacker’s cross converted into the back of the Real Betis net by Jackson – it appeared to come off his chest, but the striker will not mind one bit.
That is game, set and match. Chelsea have won the Conference League, and it is a super goal from Sancho, who bends one into the top corner of the net after smart work from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Chelsea score their fourth in the first minute of added time at the end of the 90, and Caicedo gets his name on the scoresheet, smashing low into the back of the net after combining with Fernandez.
Palmer was the difference in the second period of the match – it is as simple as that.
Real Betis did well to contain the Englishman in the first half, but his pass into Fernandez for 1-1 was sensational, before providing another assist for Jackson to score the all-important second for Chelsea, and his overall display before coming off was just brilliant.
Possession: Real Betis 34% -66% Chelsea
Shots: Real Betis 13-11 Chelsea
Shots on target: Real Betis 3-7 Chelsea
Corners: Real Betis 4-4 Chelsea
Fouls: Real Betis 16-12 Chelsea
It is celebration time for Chelsea, with the Blues securing the trophy, and they can look back on a successful campaign before switching their attention to the Club World Cup – their challenge will begin in the middle of June against Los Angeles FC or Club America.
Real Betis, meanwhile, can be proud of their efforts in the competition this season, and they will play Europa League football next season, having finished sixth in the The Table League for 2024-25.
