Chelsea FC etched their name into European football history by securing the UEFA Europa Conference League title with a commanding 4-1 comeback win against Real Betis at the Tarczynski Arena. This triumph makes Chelsea the first club to have won all four major UEFA competitions: the Champions League, Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup, and now the Conference League.
Early Setback for Chelsea
The match began unfavorably for the Blues, as Real Betis took an early lead in the 9th minute. A misplaced pass from Chelsea’s Malo Gusto allowed Isco to deliver a precise through ball to Abde Ezzalzouli, who calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, Chelsea struggled to break down Betis’s defense and went into halftime trailing 1-0.
Tactical Changes Spark Revival
Manager Enzo Maresca made a pivotal change at the break, introducing club captain Reece James for the underperforming Gusto. This substitution provided greater stability and width, allowing Chelsea to assert control in the second half.
Cole Palmer emerged as the catalyst for Chelsea’s resurgence. In the 66th minute, his precise cross found Enzo Fernández, who headed home the equalizer. Just four minutes later, Palmer delivered another assist, this time to Nicolas Jackson, who bundled the ball into the net to give Chelsea the lead.
Sealing the Victory
With momentum firmly on their side, Chelsea continued to press. In the 83rd minute, substitutes Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jadon Sancho combined effectively, with Sancho curling a shot into the top corner to extend the lead. Moises Caicedo added a fourth goal in stoppage time, firing a low shot past Betis goalkeeper Adrián.
The final whistle confirmed a remarkable turnaround for Chelsea, who scored four goals in the final 25 minutes to secure the title.
Historic Achievement
This victory completes Chelsea’s collection of major European trophies, having previously won the Champions League (2012, 2021), Europa League (2013, 2019), and Cup Winners’ Cup (1971, 1998).
Manager Enzo Maresca, in his debut season, delivers the club’s first silverware under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. The win also caps a successful week for Chelsea, who secured Champions League qualification for the next season.
Betis’s Brave Effort Falls Short
For Real Betis, this final marked their first appearance in a European competition decider. Despite a promising start and early lead, they were unable to withstand Chelsea’s second-half onslaught. Manager Manuel Pellegrini’s side showed resilience but ultimately fell short against a rejuvenated Chelsea.
The match was an emotional rollercoaster for Betis players and fans alike, with visible displays of disappointment at the final whistle.
What’s Next
Chelsea’s triumph in the Conference League not only adds to their illustrious history but also sets a positive tone for the future. With a young and dynamic squad, the Blues aim to build on this success and compete at the highest levels in European football.
For Real Betis, the experience gained from this European campaign will be invaluable as they continue to grow and aim for future success on the continental stage.
The 2025 UEFA Europa Conference League final will be remembered for Chelsea’s remarkable comeback and historic achievement, as well as Real Betis’s valiant effort in their maiden European final.
