Chelsea Win the Conference League in One Half: Betis Fail to Rewrite History

For Betis, this wasn’t just a final — it was a historic opportunity. Their first-ever European final, a shot at achieving what no other team had done. From the start, the underdog looked like the favorite. The Spaniards played with ferocity, exposing Chelsea’s right flank.

Malo Gusto, asked to operate as an extra midfielder, struggled under pressure. His early mistake in the 9th minute led to a goal — Isco played a genius pass to Ez Abde, who slotted it past Jorgensen. 1–0 for Betis.

Betis pressed on with efforts from Bartra, Cardoso, and Nabil. Chelsea looked disorganized, lacking shape and direction. The first half ended with boos — their fans unable to fill the entire sector.

Maresca’s halftime changes turned the game around

The second half saw a different Chelsea. Reece James replaced Gusto and brought order. Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo took control of midfield, while Cole Palmer finally woke up.

Two substitutions weakened Betis' left flank, especially after Ez Abde was forced off. Palmer’s inch-perfect cross allowed Enzo to head in the equalizer — 1:1.

Minutes later, Palmer again assisted, and Nicolas Jackson tapped it in. The comeback was complete by the 70th minute. Betis had no response.

Chelsea dominated the final stages. Dewsbury-Hall set up Jadon Sancho for a curling beauty — perhaps his farewell, as Chelsea reportedly don’t want to pay €25M to keep him. In added time, Caicedo’s deflected shot made it 4–1.

A historic title for a new Chelsea

Chelsea became the first club ever to win all five major UEFA trophies:

Champions League,

Europa League,

Cup Winners’ Cup,

UEFA Super Cup,

and now the Conference League.

It also broke La Liga's 27-match winning streak in European finals — the first loss since 2002.

For Todd Boehly, this is the first trophy of his era. For Maresca, proof of his tactical prowess. And for Palmer, a statement that he's still a game-changer.

Heartbreak for Betis

Betis’s journey to the final was heroic. Isco shone, and the team showed heart. But in the second half, Chelsea’s power was overwhelming. Pellegrini remains without a European title, and for some players, this was likely their only shot.