Chelsea clinched their first trophy under Enzo Maresca and completed a clean sweep of European honours with a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final.

Maresca’s side struggled to find rhythm for much of the opening half and were outclassed early on by the inspired duo of Isco and Abde Ezzalzouli. The Moroccan winger opened the scoring in the ninth minute, calmly slotting home after latching onto a precise through ball from Isco.

Despite their early dominance, Betis failed to extend their advantage, and Chelsea capitalised. Maresca’s decision to introduce club captain Reece James at half-time proved pivotal, as the Blues launched a second-half resurgence.

Cole Palmer led the revival with a dazzling display, setting up quick-fire goals for Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson to turn the game on its head. As Betis began to wane, Chelsea seized control.

Further impact came from the bench when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall squared the ball for Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho, who curled a composed finish past goalkeeper Adrian. Fernandez later turned provider again, setting up Moises Caicedo for Chelsea’s fourth in the final minute of regulation time.

It was a tale of two halves, but Chelsea’s dominant second period was enough to seal a historic night and secure the final piece in their European trophy collection.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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