Chelsea completed their European campaign in style, defeating Real Betis to win the UEFA Europa Conference League on Wednesday night.
The match in Wroclaw began with Real Betis in perfect control.
Abde Ezzalzouli scored the opening goal for Spain, beating custodian Filip Jorgensen with a superb left-footed effort.
Betis dominated the first half, driven by a commanding display from Isco in midfield, and could have extended their lead before the break.
Chelsea went into the interval behind, with head coach Enzo Maresca facing a tough challenge. Whatever tweaks he made at halftime proved crucial.
The addition of club captain Reece James, who replaced Malo Gusto, changed the momentum in the Blues’ advantage.
James made an immediate impact, troubling the Betis defence with a shot inside the area.
Chelsea gradually gained control after that, and their perseverance was rewarded.
Cole Palmer, demonstrating his ingenuity once more, sent a precise cross that Enzo Fernandez met with a well-timed header to tie the game on the hour mark.
Palmer was back in the action moments later, this time assisting Nicolas Jackson with a wonderful pass.
Jackson made no mistakes, scoring to give Chelsea the advantage.
Jackson had a chance to double his tally late in the game after a quick link-up with replacement Jadon Sancho, but his heavy touch lost the opportunity. Nonetheless, Sancho would not be denied.
After receiving the ball from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the winger found the back of the net with a lovely curl.
Chelsea’s victory was sealed impressively by Moises Caicedo, the club’s Player of the Season.
The Ecuadorian midfielder fired a low, driven shot from the edge of the box that found the bottom corner thanks to a nice assist from Fernandez.
Chelsea’s 4-1 victory not only sealed the UEFA Europa Conference League title, but also made them one of the few clubs to have won all three main UEFA competitions: the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.
Chelsea had already guaranteed Champions League status for next season, and they now end their campaign with trophy and momentum for the next stage.
