ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Chelsea secured a historic victory by defeating Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday, becoming the first football club to claim all four major UEFA trophies.
Under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea overcame an early setback at Wroclaw Stadium to capture their first major trophy since the Todd Boehly-led consortium took ownership in 2022.
Match Overview
Real Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, started strongly with Abde Ezzalzouli scoring in the ninth minute following a midfield error by Chelsea’s Malo Gusto. Betis maintained pressure with attempts from Marc Bartra and Johnny Cardoso, while Chelsea struggled to create clear chances during the first half despite holding the majority of possession. Isco, Betis captain and five-time Champions League winner, effectively controlled the midfield.
The second half saw tactical changes that shifted momentum. Chelsea introduced captain Reece James, replacing the fatigued Gusto, while Betis substituted Ezzalzouli due to injury, bringing on Jesus Rodriguez.
Chelsea’s Comeback
Chelsea’s revival was driven by man of the match Cole Palmer, whose playmaking unlocked Betis’s defense. In the 65th minute, Palmer’s precise cross enabled Enzo Fernandez to equalize with a header. Five minutes later, Palmer assisted Nicolas Jackson, who scored from close range to give Chelsea the lead.
Substitute Jadon Sancho extended the lead in the 83rd minute with a composed finish, and Moises Caicedo sealed the 4-1 win with a late goal.
Historic Achievement
Chelsea’s triumph ends a period of Spanish dominance in European men’s finals, where La Liga clubs had previously won every major final except when defeated by fellow Spanish teams.
With this win, Chelsea now hold the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup titles, becoming the only club in Europe’s history to achieve this distinction.
Post-Match Events
The Wroclaw final featured a strong turnout of Betis supporters, outnumbering Chelsea fans in the city center. However, tensions led to clashes between rival fans, resulting in 28 arrests as reported by local police.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Chelsea, highlighting their return to European prominence and their growing legacy under current ownership.
