Chelsea Clinch Conference League Glory as Jadon Sancho Sparks 4-1 Thriller Over Real Betis

Chelsea Turns the Tables with Second-Half Surge

Sometimes football scripts its best drama when nobody expects it. In the 2025 UEFA Conference League final, Chelsea found themselves staring down an early setback. Abde Ezzalzouli put Real Betis ahead in just the ninth minute, leaving the English side scrambling for answers at Wrocław’s packed Stadion Miejski. For a stretch, it looked like Betis might just pull off an upset with their high-octane start and creative spark from Antony, another loanee from Manchester United.

But halftime often becomes a manager’s time to shine, and Enzo Maresca didn’t disappoint. Swapping out Malo Gusto for Reece James, he freed Cole Palmer from his wider duties, giving the midfielder license to operate between the lines. Palmer’s presence suddenly stretched Betis in uncomfortable ways, shifting the match’s tempo and energy. The effect was immediate and electric.

Enzo Fernández, ever the midfield enforcer, popped up with the equalizer twenty minutes into the second half, finishing off a flowing Chelsea move. Suddenly, cracks widened in Betis’ defense. Nicolas Jackson, lurking with intent all evening, capitalized on Chelsea’s growing momentum, firing his side ahead in the 70th minute as the Blues bench erupted.

Sancho’s Magic Moment and a Trophy Sealed

And then came the goal that everybody in blue will remember. Jadon Sancho, back in form during his loan spell and with a point to prove, took a pass on the left flank, cut inside, and bent a gorgeous curler into the far corner in the 83rd minute. The shot broke Betis’ spirit and unleashed Chelsea’s celebrations. Just months earlier, Sancho had been fighting for minutes back at Manchester United; now, he was the hero on a European final stage.

Moisés Caicedo added the finishing touch deep into stoppage time, nudging Chelsea’s tally to four and putting the result far beyond doubt. As the final whistle sounded, 39,754 fans—including a sea of blue fluttering in the Polish night—knew they had witnessed history. This wasn’t just any win: Chelsea had finally completed their European set, with the Conference League trophy joining their Champions League and Europa League triumphs back at Stamford Bridge.

Key to this night was more than just the scorers. Palmer, given new freedom, pulled apart Betis’ lines and forced mistakes. Even as Betis pressed early on with Antony driving their attack, they couldn’t match Chelsea’s second-half intensity or Maresca’s tactical sharpness. For fans and neutrals alike, this was the night everything clicked for the Blues in Europe once again.