sevendayweekender – Chelsea etched their name into the history books by becoming the first club to win all five UEFA club competitions. In a dramatic UEFA Europa Conference League final in Wroclaw, the Blues overcame a halftime deficit to beat Real Betis 4-1. The win added the Conference League title to their Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup, and Cup Winners’ Cup triumphs.
It marked a historic moment not only for Chelsea but also for European football. The win broke Spain’s two-decade dominance in cross-border finals. Until this game, Spanish sides had triumphed in the last 27 men’s European and international finals involving their clubs. Chelsea’s comeback win was not just a personal milestone—it ended an era.
Palmer Inspires Second-Half Turnaround After Early Betis Brilliance
Real Betis, playing in their first European final, dominated the first half. Their fluid attacking play deserved more than one goal. Former Real Madrid midfielder Isco pulled the strings in midfield, creating the opener for Abde Ezzalzouli. The winger drilled a powerful finish into the top corner, leaving Chelsea keeper Filip Jorgensen no chance.
Chelsea looked overwhelmed during the first 45 minutes. Betis created several chances, including headers from Antony and a powerful shot by Marc Bartra. Jorgensen was called into action repeatedly as Chelsea struggled to control possession or find rhythm in attack.
Enzo Maresca responded at halftime by introducing Reece James for Malo Gusto. This tactical shift, pushing James into an inverted role, helped Chelsea regain control. From there, the tide turned dramatically, with Cole Palmer taking center stage.
Cole Palmer Sparks Chelsea Revival with Two Perfect Assists
Cole Palmer, who missed the group stage registration, proved vital on the biggest stage. With Chelsea trailing, he cut in from the right and delivered a perfect cross for Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine met the ball with a powerful header to level the score.
Minutes later, Palmer turned provider again. His driven cross found Nicolas Jackson at the near post, and the striker bundled it home with his chest. The quick-fire goals stunned Betis and shifted the game’s momentum completely.
Palmer’s influence underscored his rising importance to this Chelsea side. Though overlooked earlier in the tournament, he made his mark when it mattered most. His creativity and composure changed the match’s tone and put Chelsea in control.
Sancho and Caicedo Add Gloss to Dominant Second-Half Display
With Betis reeling from the turnaround, Chelsea pressed for more. Jadon Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, came off the bench to score a classy third. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who played every Conference League match, set him up with a clever pass. Sancho curled the ball around the keeper to extend the lead.
In stoppage time, Moises Caicedo capped the comeback. His long-range shot took a deflection and beat the goalkeeper, sealing a 4-1 win. The celebrations began immediately, with Chelsea players and fans knowing this was more than just another trophy—it was history made.
Betis, who had played with flair and purpose early on, couldn’t match Chelsea’s intensity in the second half. Their players showed visible heartbreak at full-time, many collapsing to the ground in tears.
Maresca Ends First Season with Silverware and Champions League Spot
Enzo Maresca’s decision to field a strong starting XI paid off. In contrast to earlier rounds where he rotated heavily, he treated this final like a major test. It was a bold move that reflected both respect for Betis and belief in his team’s ability.
Chelsea had scored 41 goals in 14 matches leading to the final but hadn’t faced opponents of Betis’ quality. The Spanish side, sixth in La Liga, represented a major step up. Maresca’s tactical adjustment at halftime and faith in key players proved decisive.
This victory gives Chelsea their first trophy since the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup. It also caps a successful debut season for Maresca, who guided Chelsea to a Champions League return by finishing strong in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s season isn’t over yet—they’ll head to the United States in June to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup. But the Conference League final will be remembered as the night they completed European football’s ultimate collection.
