Chelsea Complete UEFA Quadruple in Stunning Comeback
News Desk
Islamabad: Chelsea staged a stunning comeback to defeat Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday, becoming the first club in European football history to win all four major UEFA trophies.
The London club, led by manager Enzo Maresca, overcame an early setback at Wroclaw Stadium to claim their first major silverware since the Todd Boehly-led consortium took over in 2022.
Real Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, made a strong start, taking the lead in the ninth minute. Moroccan winger Abde Ezzalzouli pounced on a midfield mistake by Chelsea’s Malo Gusto and fired a precise left-footed strike past goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
The Spanish side continued to press, with efforts from Marc Bartra and Johnny Cardoso testing Chelsea’s defence. Goalkeeper Jorgensen stood firm, and despite enjoying more possession, Chelsea struggled to break through in the first half. Betis captain Isco, a five-time Champions League winner, dictated the tempo from midfield.
The momentum shifted in the second half following key tactical changes. Chelsea brought on captain Reece James for the fatigued Gusto, while Betis were forced to replace the injured Ezzalzouli with Jesus Rodriguez.
Cole Palmer, later named man of the match, sparked Chelsea’s comeback with a brilliant performance. In the 65th minute, he delivered a pinpoint cross for Enzo Fernandez to head home the equaliser. Just five minutes later, Palmer set up Nicolas Jackson, who tapped in from close range to put Chelsea in front.
Substitute Jadon Sancho extended the lead in the 83rd minute with a calm finish from a tight angle, and Moises Caicedo added a fourth in stoppage time to seal an emphatic win.
The result ended a long-standing trend of Spanish dominance in European finals. Prior to this match, La Liga teams had only lost to fellow Spanish clubs in major men’s finals.
Chelsea’s victory marks a historic achievement, as they now hold the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and the defunct Cup Winners’ Cup — a clean sweep no other club has managed.
The atmosphere in Wroclaw was electric, with Betis fans significantly outnumbering Chelsea supporters in the city centre. However, clashes between rival fans led to 28 arrests, according to police reports.
