Chelsea produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday night, making history as the first club to win all four major European competitions.
Enzo Maresca’s side, trailing early after a sharp finish from Abde Ezzalzouli, responded emphatically after the break in front of a raucous crowd at Wroclaw Stadium. Goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Moises Caicedo turned the tie decisively in Chelsea’s favour, securing their first piece of silverware since the Todd Boehly-led consortium took over the club in 2022.
Betis, managed by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, started brightly. In the ninth minute, Moroccan winger Ezzalzouli, hero of their semi-final win, punished a Chelsea error in midfield, latching onto an Isco pass before rifling a low shot past Filip Jorgensen. The Andalusians continued to threaten, with Marc Bartra and Johnny Cardoso testing Chelsea’s defensive resolve, while Isco orchestrated with elegance from midfield.
Chelsea, despite dominating possession, lacked creativity in the first half and entered the break trailing. But the introduction of captain Reece James for the struggling Malo Gusto, coupled with tactical adjustments, turned the tide.
Cole Palmer, later named man of the match, was instrumental in the turnaround. In the 65th minute, his precise cross found Fernandez, who headed home the equaliser. Just five minutes later, Palmer’s artistry unlocked the Betis defence again, this time supplying a deft ball that Nicolas Jackson chested over the line to give Chelsea the lead.
Substitute Jadon Sancho added a third in the 83rd minute following a clever link-up with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, before Moises Caicedo sealed the emphatic victory with a stoppage-time strike.
The win ends a long drought of European success for Chelsea and makes them the first team to complete the set of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup.
The match also marked a break in a long-standing trend of Spanish dominance in European finals. Prior to Wednesday’s clash, Spanish clubs had emerged victorious in all 27 of their most recent international finals.
Earlier in the day, scenes in Wroclaw were marred by fan clashes in the city’s market square, with local authorities confirming 28 arrests. Despite Betis fans outnumbering Chelsea supporters, it was the Premier League side who had the final word on the pitch.
For Chelsea and Maresca, the victory not only secures a place in club history but also signals a potential resurgence after a period of transition and rebuilding.
Written By Rodney Mbua
