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AMMAN — Chelsea capped off a turbulent season with silverware on Wednesday night, defeating Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Europa Conference League final at Wroclaw Stadium.
Despite trailing early in the match, the London side produced a dominant second-half performance to secure the trophy, becoming the first club in history to win all five of UEFA's men’s club competitions — the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and now the UEFA Conference League.
Real Betis opened the scoring in the ninth minute through Moroccan winger Abde Ezzalzouli, who coolly slotted the ball into the far corner after a well-timed assist from Isco. Betis controlled the tempo in the first half, pressing high and creating several chances, while Chelsea’s defence struggled to find rhythm.
However, the second half saw a completely different Chelsea side emerge. Enzo Fernandez levelled the score in the 65th minute with a powerful header. Just five minutes later, Cole Palmer — instrumental throughout — carved through the Betis backline and set up Nicolas Jackson for a close-range finish to give Chelsea the lead.
Jadon Sancho added a third goal in the 83rd minute on a swift counterattack, before Moises Caicedo sealed the victory with a thunderous strike from outside the box in stoppage time.
Cole Palmer, who provided two key assists, was named man of the match for his creative display and leadership in the attacking third.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca expressed his pride after lifting the trophy: “We didn’t start the game in the best form, but we improved as the match went on. I’m happy we ended this tough season with a title. I feel for Pellegrini and respect him a lot.”
Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini acknowledged his team’s strong start but lamented their second-half collapse: “We played really well in the first half but couldn’t keep our rhythm and pressure. We had a good season but unfortunately didn’t win. I’m sure the fans are devastated, but they still appreciate the work we’ve done. We’ll begin preparing for next season from tomorrow.”
Chelsea's historic win not only adds another European trophy to their cabinet but also offers hope and momentum heading into the next campaign.