WROCLAW, POLAND — Chelsea capped off a landmark European campaign with a resounding 4-1 win over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday, making history as the first club to win all four of UEFA’s major men’s competitions.

Despite an early setback, the Premier League side rallied in emphatic fashion, overturning a first-half deficit to dismantle Betis and secure their first trophy under the ownership of Todd Boehly’s consortium.

Early Shock, Late Surge

Real Betis opened the scoring in the 9th minute through Abde Ezzalzouli, who pounced on a Chelsea error and coolly slotted home after a clever assist from captain Isco. The goal, reminiscent of his semi-final heroics against Fiorentina, had Betis dreaming of a European crown.

The Spanish side continued to threaten, testing Chelsea’s defense through sharp counterattacks and long-range efforts, but goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen kept them at bay. At the half, the underdogs held a deserved 1-0 lead, while Chelsea appeared frustrated and flat.

Second-Half Revival Sparked by Palmer

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca responded by introducing captain Reece James for the struggling Malo Gusto after the break. The change helped stabilize the right flank — but it was Cole Palmer who turned the tide.

Palmer, named man of the match, created two quickfire goals to swing the momentum. First, in the 65th minute, he floated a cross into the box for Enzo Fernandez to head home the equalizer. Just five minutes later, Palmer dazzled again, twisting past defenders and curling in a teasing ball that Nicolas Jackson chested into the net for a 2-1 lead.

Late Goals Seal the Deal

Betis never recovered. Substitute Jadon Sancho made it 3-1 in the 83rd minute after a slick one-two with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Moments later, Moises Caicedo drove in the fourth, adding the finishing touch to Chelsea’s dominant second half.

The win snapped a remarkable streak of Spanish dominance in European finals. Prior to this match, Spanish teams had emerged victorious in each of the last 27 major European men’s finals in which they participated — unless facing another Spanish side.

A Trophy of Firsts

This Conference League triumph completes Chelsea’s sweep of UEFA’s four major men’s trophies: the Champions League, Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup (defunct), and now the Conference League. No other club has achieved this feat.

It also marks the first silverware for Chelsea since the Boehly-led ownership group took control in 2022, closing a chapter that began with the departure of Roman Abramovich.

Celebrations and Scuffles

While celebrations erupted in Wroclaw’s Wrocław Stadium, the atmosphere in the city center earlier in the day was tense. Clashes between fans led to 28 arrests, according to Poland’s interior minister, with Real Betis supporters significantly outnumbering Chelsea’s traveling fans.

Despite the turbulent start both on and off the pitch, Chelsea’s comeback showcased their quality, resilience, and a glimpse of what could be a promising new era under Maresca — with Cole Palmer shining brightest on European football’s newest stage.