Cole Palmer Leads Chelsea to Conference League Glory Over Betis

WROCLAW: Chelsea staged a stunning comeback to defeat Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final, securing their place in history as the first club to win all four major European trophies.

Betis, under Manuel Pellegrini, took an early lead in Poland with a ninth-minute goal from Abde Ezzalzouli, but Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, transformed their performance in the second half.

Two quick goals in five minutes shifted the momentum, with Cole Palmer providing assists for Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson.

Substitute Jadon Sancho extended Chelsea’s lead in the 83rd minute, and Moises Caicedo sealed the victory with a late goal.

This triumph completes Chelsea’s collection of Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup.

It also marks the club’s first major trophy since Todd Boehly’s consortium took over ownership in 2022.

Betis started brightly, breaking the deadlock when Isco set up Ezzalzouli, who fired a left-footed shot past Filip Jorgensen.

Moments later, Marc Bartra tested Jorgensen with a long-range effort, but the Chelsea goalkeeper made a crucial save.

Betis continued to press, with Johnny Cardoso nearly doubling their lead, but Benoit Badiashile deflected his shot behind.

Despite Chelsea dominating possession, Betis defended resolutely, with Isco orchestrating play in midfield.

As halftime approached, Betis goalkeeper Adrian denied Fernandez, ensuring his side maintained their lead at the break.

Palmer’s Influence
Maresca made a key substitution, bringing on Reece James for Malo Gusto.

Betis also had to adjust, with Ezzalzouli forced off due to injury, replaced by Jesus Rodriguez.

Chelsea equalized in the 65th minute, as Palmer’s precise cross found Fernandez, who headed past Adrian.

Five minutes later, Palmer delivered again, setting up Jackson, whose chest-controlled finish put Chelsea ahead.

Sancho added a third goal after linking up with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Caicedo completed the scoring.

Chelsea’s victory ended a 27-final winning streak for Spanish clubs in major European competitions.

Before this match, Spanish teams had won every men’s final involving La Liga sides across the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and UEFA Cup/Europa League.

Earlier in the day, Wroclaw’s city center was packed with supporters from both clubs, with Betis fans outnumbering Chelsea’s traveling contingent.

Poland’s interior minister confirmed that 28 arrests were made following clashes between fans in the market square.