Chelsea made history on Wednesday night, storming back to claim a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final, becoming the first club to win all four major European trophies.
In a dramatic evening at Wroclaw Stadium, Real Betis took an early lead through Abde Ezzalzouli, only for Chelsea to produce a scintillating second-half display that secured the club’s first silverware since Todd Boehly’s consortium assumed ownership in 2022.
The result also ended a remarkable run of success for Spanish clubs in European finals, marking the first time in 27 men’s finals involving La Liga sides that a non-Spanish team emerged victorious.
Chelsea Stunned Early, But Roar Back Through Palmer’s Brilliance
Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis started brightly, taking a ninth-minute lead when Ezzalzouli, the hero of their semi-final, fired a precise left-footed shot past Filip Jorgensen after a slick move initiated by captain Isco.
Betis continued to threaten, with Marc Bartra forcing a fine save and Johnny Cardoso going close, while Chelsea struggled to create clear-cut opportunities despite dominating possession.
However, the second half saw a transformed Chelsea side. Manager Enzo Maresca introduced captain Reece James and the game’s momentum shifted dramatically.
Cole Palmer, named man of the match, was at the heart of Chelsea’s resurgence. In the 65th minute, he whipped in a perfect cross for Enzo Fernandez, who powered home a header to level the contest.
Just five minutes later, Palmer dazzled on the edge of the box before delivering another pinpoint ball that Nicolas Jackson bundled in to put Chelsea ahead.
Sancho and Caicedo Seal Famous Victory
As Betis tired, substitute Jadon Sancho extended Chelsea’s lead in the 83rd minute with a sharp finish from a tight angle, assisted by fellow substitute Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Moises Caicedo then completed the scoring in stoppage time, slotting home after a swift counterattack to spark wild celebrations among the traveling Chelsea supporters.
A Landmark Moment in Chelsea’s European History
With this victory, Chelsea become the first club to lift the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Conference League, and the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup completing a historic European clean sweep.
It was a landmark night for the club and a significant milestone under the leadership of Maresca and the Boehly-led ownership, offering a glimpse of renewed promise after a transitional period.
Off the pitch, the build-up to the final saw passionate support from both sets of fans flood the streets of Wroclaw. However, Polish authorities reported 28 arrests following clashes in the city’s market square.
Key Stats from the UEFA Conference League Final 2025
Final Score: Chelsea 4-1 Real Betis
Goals: Ezzalzouli (9’) | Fernandez (65’), Jackson (70’), Sancho (83’), Caicedo (90+1’)
Man of the Match: Cole Palmer
Attendance: 39,000 (approx.)
