Chelsea staged an impressive comeback to secure a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final held in Wroclaw on Wednesday, making history as the first club to win all four major European trophies.
Real Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, stunned the favorites early with a goal from Abde Ezzalzouli. However, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side turned things around dramatically in the second half.
Two quick goals within five minutes shifted the momentum, with Cole Palmer — later named man of the match — providing the assists for both Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson.
Substitute Jadon Sancho sealed the win in the 83rd minute with a precise finish from a tight angle, before Moises Caicedo added a fourth to round off the performance.
With the victory, Chelsea become the only team to have won the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and the now-retired Cup Winners’ Cup.
It also marks the first trophy of the Todd Boehly era since his consortium acquired the club from Roman Abramovich in 2022, following a decade of remarkable success.
Betis opened the scoring in the ninth minute after a strong start from both sides. Malo Gusto lost possession in midfield, allowing Betis to counter quickly. Isco, the team’s captain, slipped a clever pass to Ezzalzouli, who sent a left-footed strike across Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and into the net.
Moments later, Marc Bartra tried his luck from long range, but Jorgensen pulled off a spectacular save to keep the deficit at one.
Spurred on by a sea of green-and-white supporters, Betis nearly doubled their lead when Johnny Cardoso’s shot from inside the box was deflected behind by Benoit Badiashile. Chelsea, though dominant in possession, were finding it difficult to break down a disciplined Betis defense, with veteran Isco — a five-time Champions League winner — dictating play.
Palmer’s Influence Turns the Tide
At halftime, Maresca substituted captain Reece James in for the struggling Malo Gusto. Meanwhile, Betis were forced to make a change after Ezzalzouli went off injured, replaced by Jesus Rodriguez.
Chelsea equalized in the 65th minute after a well-worked play on the right, with Cole Palmer delivering a pinpoint cross that Enzo Fernandez met with a downward header past goalkeeper Adrian.
With the goal, Chelsea gained momentum, and their fans roared with renewed energy.
Five minutes later, Palmer dazzled on the edge of the box and delivered another exquisite cross that found Jackson, whose chest directed the ball into the net.
Jackson nearly scored again shortly after, but a heavy first touch allowed Adrian to collect the ball.
Chelsea’s third came when Sancho combined with fellow substitute Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall before finishing neatly. Caicedo then capped off the scoring with a fourth.
This triumph ends a remarkable streak of Spanish clubs dominating European competitions.
…by Ani Juliana.
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Ani Juliana, is A 300l student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka,
With the passion for content writing and Copywriting.
