Chelsea Beat Real Betis 4-1 to Win UEFA Conference League and Complete European Trophy Set
Chelsea 4-1 Real Betis Balompié | UEFA Conference League Final 2025 | Palmer Orchestrates Historic Comeback as Blues Become First Club to Win All Major European Titles
Chelsea Football Club etched their name in European football history once again by clinching the 2025 UEFA Conference League title with a stunning 4-1 comeback victory over Real Betis Balompié. This landmark win in Athens means the West London giants have now secured all three major UEFA competitions – the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League – becoming the first club ever to do so.
🏆 THE 2024/2025 UEFA CONFERENCE LEAGUE WINNERS, CHELSEA 🏆 pic.twitter.com/L8d97vgdzo
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 28, 2025
Early Dominance from Real Betis
Entering the final held at the iconic Agia Sophia Stadium in Athens, Real Betis appeared to carry the momentum. Manuel Pellegrini’s men had already secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Europa League via a sixth-place finish in LaLiga, and their confidence was evident from kickoff.
The Spanish side’s proactive start paid off in the 9th minute. Isco, the orchestrator in midfield, slipped a perfectly timed ball across Chelsea’s penalty area. The pass found Abde Ezzalzouli, who calmly drilled a low shot into the far corner, netting his sixth goal of the tournament and giving Los Verdiblancos a dream start in the Conference League final.
Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Betis almost doubled their lead just five minutes later. Veteran centre-back Marc Bartra curled a left-footed effort towards goal, only to be denied by a brilliant fingertip save from Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who managed to tip it over the crossbar.
Scorer of Real Betis' first goal in a UEFA club competition final 👏#UECLfinal pic.twitter.com/Xdwiv36LWU
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) May 28, 2025
Missed Opportunities for Betis to Extend Their Lead
Real Betis continued to look menacing in the attacking third. In the 27th minute, Johnny Cardoso found himself in space just inside the Chelsea penalty area. However, his right-footed shot blazed over the bar – a glaring opportunity that could have altered the course of the match.
Despite dominating the opening half-hour, Betis failed to capitalize on their superior possession and high pressing. Chelsea, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm. Though Pedro Neto tested Adrian with a long-range effort, clear-cut chances were few and far between for the Premier League side.
At half-time, Real Betis led 1-0, and Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca knew drastic changes were required if his side were to claw their way back into the match.
Tactical Shift and the Palmer Effect
The second half saw a more aggressive Chelsea emerge from the tunnel. Enzo Maresca introduced club captain Reece James, injecting urgency and width into the attack. The tactical switch paid off almost immediately, as Chelsea began to dominate possession and find spaces behind the Betis defense.
Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s standout performer throughout the 2024-25 season, came alive. In the 65th minute, he curled a brilliant cross into the box that was perfectly met by Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine midfielder directed his header into the far corner, leaving Adrian rooted to the spot and leveling the score at 1-1.
That goal sparked a remarkable turnaround.
Just five minutes later, Palmer was at it again. This time, he dazzled the Betis defense with close control and a rapid change of pace before whipping in another dangerous ball across the face of goal. Striker Nicolas Jackson made no mistake, slotting home from close range to give Chelsea the lead for the first time on the night.
Cole Palmer. Game-changer 🥶#UECLfinal pic.twitter.com/O8qozfKb6G
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) May 28, 2025
Chelsea Turn the Tide
Stunned by the quickfire double, Real Betis tried to regroup, but their attacking cohesion began to falter under pressure. Chelsea’s midfield, led by Moises Caicedo and Fernandez, began to control the tempo, snuffing out Betis’ build-up play and launching counter-attacks with precision.
Maresca’s substitutions continued to make an impact. In the 83rd minute, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall linked up with Jadon Sancho in a slick one-two move on the edge of the box. Sancho, who has endured a rollercoaster career, picked the perfect moment to showcase his quality, curling a sublime effort into the top corner to make it 3-1.
It was a hammer blow for Betis and a defining moment for Chelsea’s dominance in the match.
What. A. Turnaround 😮💨
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) May 28, 2025
⏰0️⃣9️⃣ Real Betis 1-0 Chelsea
⏰6️⃣5️⃣ Real Betis 1-1 Chelsea
⏰7️⃣0️⃣ Real Betis 1-2 Chelsea#UECLfinal pic.twitter.com/4v5oiXWnfI
Caicedo Caps Off a Historic Night
With the match moving into stoppage time, Chelsea were in complete control. The final goal came via Moises Caicedo, who had been instrumental in midfield throughout the night. His effort from just outside the area took a wicked deflection off a Betis defender and nestled into the net, completing the 4-1 scoreline and sealing a fifth straight win in European finals for Chelsea.
As the final whistle blew, Chelsea players and fans erupted in celebration. This wasn’t just another trophy—it was a chapter of history written by a team once considered in transition.
Chelsea’s European Journey: A Complete Set of Silverware
With this UEFA Conference League triumph, Chelsea have now won:
- UEFA Champions League (2 titles – 2012, 2021)
- UEFA Europa League (2 titles – 2013, 2019)
- UEFA Super Cup (2 titles – 1998, 2021)
- UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (2 titles – 1971, 1998)
- UEFA Conference League (2025)
Chelsea’s accomplishment makes them the first and only club to claim all major UEFA club competitions, a testament to their enduring legacy on the continental stage.
Set complete ✅
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 28, 2025
Chelsea are the first club to win every European major honour 👏 pic.twitter.com/2XgXDYi872
Tactical Masterclass from Maresca
Newly appointed head coach Enzo Maresca deserves immense credit for reshaping Chelsea’s season. From the group stages of the Conference League to the final, Chelsea showed steady improvement, blending youth and experience while employing a possession-based style reminiscent of his mentor, Pep Guardiola.
The decision to bring on Reece James and shift the formation to a more aggressive 3-4-3 after halftime was pivotal. The tactical adjustment allowed Palmer and Sancho more freedom to exploit the flanks, while Fernandez and Caicedo controlled the middle third with calmness and authority.
Cole Palmer: The Undisputed Star
While several players stepped up on the night, Cole Palmer emerged as the undisputed man of the match. The 22-year-old registered two assists and was involved in every meaningful Chelsea attack in the second half.
Palmer’s creativity, dribbling, and composure under pressure continue to justify Chelsea’s decision to secure him from Manchester City last summer. With 20+ goal contributions across all competitions, he has become an integral part of Chelsea’s attacking engine.
Taking turns. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/sm1ZULbAMu
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 28, 2025
Real Betis: Missed Chances and Defensive Collapse
For Real Betis, the final began with promise but ended in disappointment. Manuel Pellegrini’s side played some of their best football in the first half but paid the price for not converting chances when they were on top.
Their defensive line, which held firm for most of the tournament, was exposed by Chelsea’s directness and pace after the break. Despite the defeat, Betis’ European journey was commendable, and the experience could serve as a springboard for future campaigns.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
With the UEFA Conference League title secured, Chelsea now shift focus to the upcoming Premier League and European seasons. The victory not only adds silverware to their cabinet but also boosts morale and confidence heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
Maresca will aim to build on this success, using the final as a reference point to shape a more consistent and competitive squad. With talents like Palmer, Fernandez, Caicedo, and James all entering their prime, Chelsea fans have every reason to be optimistic.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember in Athens
Chelsea’s 4-1 demolition of Real Betis in the 2025 UEFA Conference League final will go down in football history. From trailing at half-time to lifting the trophy with flair and dominance, the Blues showcased resilience, quality, and tactical brilliance.
As the first club to win every major UEFA club competition, Chelsea have solidified their status as a European powerhouse. For Enzo Maresca, this win marks the beginning of a promising managerial tenure. For Chelsea fans, it’s another golden memory in the club’s ever-growing legacy.
EUROPEAN WINNERS!!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/sCm3slcbJv
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 28, 2025
Key Stats from the UEFA Conference League Final 2025
Statistic | Chelsea | Real Betis |
Possession | 55% | 45% |
Shots on Target | 7 | 3 |
Total Attempts | 13 | 10 |
Corners | 5 | 4 |
Fouls Committed | 11 | 14 |
Yellow Cards | 1 | 2 |
