Chelsea’s Heroic Comeback Secures Conference League Glory

Cole Palmer’s two assists shattered Real Betis’ dream of their first European title.

To Wrocław – With Fire

It was a charged night in Wrocław. The final of the UEFA Conference League brought chaos to the city in the days leading up to the match. Classic scenes: Spaniards throwing obscene gestures, heavyset British lads reaching for chairs. Both Sevilla and London had sent their most passionate fans, who came hungry for glory. Defeat wasn’t an option.

For Real Betis, this was unfamiliar territory. The Spanish side had never won a European trophy. And yet, under the wise hand of Manuel Pellegrini, they had come within touching distance. His squad resembled a group of footballing outcasts – Isco, Antony, Giovani Lo Celso – players once mocked and written off. But the Chilean manager, himself once a target of ridicule, had transformed their awkwardness into burning ambition.

On the other side stood Chelsea, finally stabilizing under ambitious new boss Enzo Maresca. The Blues were tournament favorites for a reason — they had cruised through every round, and this was their trophy to lose.

With their place in next season’s Champions League already secured, a win would also crown them as the first club to capture all three major European titles. It was a chance to make history.

Under Pressure

Betis hadn’t won a match since May 4. But Pellegrini didn’t tweak his tactical setup. Betis had a reliable starting XI and a few "joker" substitutes, but little true depth.

Chelsea, who had treated the tournament as a platform for rotation, kept faith in that approach: Filip Jörgensen, Benoît Badiashile, and Malo Gusto — all players who often start on the bench — were in the lineup.

Pre-match, it seemed both clubs had equal support in the stands. But once the whistle blew, it was clear: Wrocław’s stadium turned into a sea of green and white. Understandable — Betis rarely gets this close to silverware. The atmosphere rattled Chelsea early. Whistles and jeers accompanied their every touch.

That mental pressure played a crucial role in the opening phase. Just nine minutes in, Isco — once cast aside by Real Madrid — surged toward the penalty area and fed the ball to Abde Ezzalzouli, a former Barcelona reject.

The Moroccan finished with composure. The “Union of the Unwanted” took the lead. From there, the match shifted into a midfield battle where Betis hounded Chelsea relentlessly. Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo couldn’t settle. Betis were giving everything.

Chelsea Push Back

Maresca reacted after halftime — making changes and pushing his wide players higher. Betis, perhaps too soon, retreated into a defensive shell. And it cost them.

Injury forced off first-half hero Abde, replaced by 19-year-old Jesús Rodríguez — a teenager in his first senior season. The look in his eyes said it all: he hadn’t expected to be thrown into battle this early.

Betis' dream, held together by desperate defending, was finally broken by Cole Palmer. Where had Chelsea’s top scorer been all first half? Swarmed, blocked, and neutralized. But all he needed was a single meter of space — and he struck.

First, Palmer floated a brilliant cross into the path of Enzo Fernández, who headed home the equalizer. Then, after stealing the ball from Rodríguez, he played in Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese striker, often criticized for inconsistency, didn’t miss from close range — though minutes later he nearly gifted Betis a lifeline with a wasted one-on-one.

But any nerves were put to rest five minutes from time. Jadon Sancho, playing with confidence, cut inside the box and smashed a rare powerful strike past veteran keeper Adrián. And then came the fourth: a counter-attack led by Caicedo and finished with style.

Betis’ dream of a first European crown was over. But Chelsea’s ambitions were fulfilled.

Chelsea: Kings of Europe (Again)

With the win, Chelsea became the first club to win the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League — a true European grand slam. And Enzo Maresca proved once again: he’s ready to manage at the top level.

Published by Patrick Jane
29.05.2025