Chelsea rallies to a 4-1 victory over Real Betis, claiming the Conference League title as Enzo Maresca's tactical shifts ignite a second-half comeback.
Chelsea triumphs 4-1 over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final in Wroclaw, with Enzo Fernández, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Moisés Caicedo all on the scoresheet. The Blues make history as the first club to win all three of Europe’s major trophies.
Enzo Maresca's shrewd tactical adjustments and substitutions proved decisive as Chelsea overturned the game to claim the Conference League title, overpowering Real Betis 4-1 in Wroclaw.
Chelsea struggled throughout the first half and found themselves trailing at halftime after Isco – the dominant force in the opening period – set up Abde Ezzalzouli with an audacious no-look pass, allowing the winger to fire home the opener inside nine minutes.
The beleaguered Malo Gusto was the fall-guy at half-time as the first of Blues boss Maresca’s changes. Reece James’ introduction in his place was much needed, and the skipper led the charge after the head coach’s tactical tweaks from the first whistle of the second half.
With greater creative freedom after the break and benefiting from Ricardo Rodriguez’s injury-enforced absence, Cole Palmer delivered a masterclass to spark Chelsea’s revival. His exquisite 65th-minute cross from the half-space found Enzo Fernández for the equalizing header, before whipping in another delivery five minutes later that Nicolas Jackson fortuitously converted. Chelsea maintained complete control thereafter, with Maresca’s substitutes combining decisively to cap the victory.
Player ratings
Real Betis: Adrian (6), Sabaly (5), Bartra (6), Natan (6), R Rodriguez (7), Fornals (5), Cardoso (6), Antony (5), Isco (8), Ezzalzouli (7), Bakambu (6).
Subs: Perraud (4), J Rodriguez (6), Ruibal (5), Altimara, Lo Celso (n/a).
Chelsea: Jorgensen (6), Gusto (4), Badiashile (5), Chalobah (6), Cucurella (6), Fernandez (7), Caicedo (7), Neto (5), Palmer (9), Madueke (6), Jackson (7).
Subs: James (7), Sancho (7), Colwill (6), Dewsbury-Hall (7), Guiu (n/a).
Player of the Match: Cole Palmer.
