On a chilly night in Wroclaw, Poland, the UEFA Conference League final delivered a spectacle that will linger in the memories of Chelsea and Real Betis fans alike. The May 28, 2025, clash wasn’t just a battle for silverware—it was a story of resilience, tactical brilliance, and a certain Cole Palmer proving why he’s one of football’s brightest stars. Chelsea’s 4-1 victory over Real Betis was a comeback for the ages, turning a shaky first half into a second-half masterclass that crowned the Blues as the first club to claim all three of UEFA’s major trophies.
A Fiery Start for Betis
Real Betis came out swinging, defying their underdog status. Just nine minutes in, a sloppy giveaway by Chelsea’s Malo Gusto gifted the ball to Isco, the Spanish maestro who was pulling strings like a puppeteer. Isco’s precise pass found Abde Ezzalzouli, who darted into the box and fired a low shot past Filip Jorgensen. The Stadion Wroclaw erupted as Betis fans, draped in green and white, dared to dream of their club’s first-ever European trophy.
Betis didn’t stop there. Ezzalzouli tormented Chelsea’s right flank, while Antony—on loan from Manchester United—showed flashes of his rediscovered form. Isco, at 33, was rolling back the years, dictating play with the poise of his Real Madrid glory days. Chelsea, meanwhile, looked rattled. Their possession-heavy approach lacked bite, and only a couple of sharp saves from Jorgensen kept the scoreline at 1-0 by halftime. As Manuel Pellegrini’s side headed to the tunnel, they seemed in control, while Enzo Maresca’s Blues were in desperate need of a spark.
The Cole Palmer Show
If the first half belonged to Betis, the second was all Chelsea—and Cole Palmer was the conductor. Maresca’s halftime adjustments, including a freer role for Palmer and the introduction of Reece James, shifted the game’s momentum. Betis, hampered by injuries like Abde’s ankle sprain and Ricardo Rodriguez’s exit, began to tire. Palmer, sensing the moment, stepped up.
In the 66th minute, the England star floated a delicate cross into the box, where Enzo Fernandez ghosted in to head home the equalizer. The Betis defense, caught flat-footed, could only watch as Chelsea roared back to life. Five minutes later, Palmer struck again, twisting past substitute Jesus Rodriguez and delivering a pinpoint cross that Nicolas Jackson chested in for a 2-1 lead. The turnaround was swift and ruthless, with Palmer’s vision and composure earning him the Player of the Match award.
Jadon Sancho added a third in the 82nd minute, curling a stunning shot into the top corner after a quick exchange with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Moises Caicedo sealed the 4-1 rout in stoppage time with a low strike from 20 yards, assisted by Fernandez. Chelsea’s second-half blitz—four goals in 26 minutes—left Betis shell-shocked and their fans in tears.
Key Moments and Standout Performers
Cole Palmer’s Magic: His two assists were game-changers, earning praise from former Chelsea winger Joe Cole, who called him “an absolute genius” on TNT Sports. Palmer’s ability to exploit spaces as Betis dropped deeper was the catalyst for Chelsea’s comeback.
Marc Cucurella’s Redemption: The Spanish left-back, often criticized, put in a stellar performance, neutralizing Antony and earning rave reviews from Betis fans on social media. One X post noted, “Cucurella was dribbled 0 times in the entire match.”
Betis’ Brave First Half: Despite the loss, Pellegrini’s side showed heart. Isco’s playmaking and Ezzalzouli’s early goal gave them hope, but injuries and Chelsea’s intensity proved too much.
Maresca’s Tactical Shift: The Chelsea boss, facing his mentor Pellegrini, admitted to a first-half misstep but lauded his team’s second-half response. “We adjusted something tactical at halftime, and the second half we were much better,” he told UEFA.com.
What It Means for Both Teams
For Chelsea, this victory marks a historic milestone. They’re now the first club to win the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, a testament to their European pedigree. The trophy is a first for owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, and for Maresca, it’s a statement of intent in his debut season. With Champions League qualification already secured via a win over Nottingham Forest, Chelsea’s young squad is brimming with confidence as they head into the FIFA Club World Cup.
For Real Betis, the defeat stings, but reaching their first major European final is a proud moment. Pellegrini, visibly bitter, told Sky Sport, “We were superior in the first half, but injuries and Chelsea’s intensity changed the game.” Sixth in La Liga and Europa League-bound next season, Betis showed they can compete with the best, even if the final scoreline felt harsh.
A Night to Remember
The Wroclaw final was more than a match—it was a showcase of football’s unpredictability. Chelsea’s fans partied into the night, while Betis’ players, like Isco and Pablo Fornals, left the pitch in tears. Yet, as Pellegrini noted, “We should be proud of the way we played.” For Chelsea, Cole Palmer’s star turn and Maresca’s growing influence signal a bright future. For Betis, it’s a stepping stone toward bigger dreams.
As the Blues lift the Conference League trophy, the question now is: can they build on this to chase bigger prizes? For Betis, the focus shifts to next season’s Europa League. One thing’s certain—Wroclaw won’t forget this night anytime soon.
Sources: Sky Sports, The Guardian, UEFA.com, TNT Sports