Palmer shines as Chelsea cruise past Betis Conference League win

WROCLAW: Chelsea roared back to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final in Wroclaw on Wednesday, becoming the first club to claim all four major European trophies.

Manuel Pellegrini’s enterprising Betis caught the favourites cold in Poland with an early goal from Abde Ezzalzouli, but Enzo Maresca’s team were a different side in the second half.

Two goals in five minutes changed the face of the match, with man of the match Cole Palmer creating both openings — first for Enzo Fernandez, then Nicolas Jackson.

Substitute Jadon Sancho made the game safe in the 83rd minute, finishing from a tight angle, and Moises Caicedo added gloss to the scoreline.

The win means Chelsea become the first club to win the full set of the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League and the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup.

It is also the club’s first piece of silverware since Todd Boehly’s consortium took over from former owner Roman Abramovich in 2022, ending an era of unprecedented success.

After a bright start from both sides, Betis broke the deadlock in the ninth minute through Ezzalzouli, who also scored the goal against Fiorentina that secured their place in the final.

Malo Gusto lost the ball in midfield, and Betis surged forward. Captain Isco played a clever pass to find Ezzalzouli on the edge of the box, and the Moroccan drilled a left-footed shot across Filip Jorgensen.

Minutes later, Marc Bartra tried his luck from distance as Betis pushed for a second, but Jorgensen was equal to the effort, producing a flying save.

Urged on by their massed ranks of fans at Wroclaw Stadium, Betis went close again when Johnny Cardoso’s shot from inside the box was deflected behind by Benoit Badiashile, with Chelsea clinging on.

The Premier League side enjoyed the bulk of possession but struggled to create meaningful chances, with Betis defending strongly and Isco — a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid — pulling the strings.

As half-time approached, Betis goalkeeper Adrian raced off his line to deny Enzo Fernandez, and Chelsea went in at the break still trailing.

Palmer magic

Maresca brought on Chelsea captain Reece James for the struggling Gusto at the break.

Betis were forced into a change as well when goalscorer Ezzalzouli had to go off, replaced by Jesus Rodriguez.

Chelsea equalised in the 65th minute after a slick move down the right, with Cole Palmer delivering a pinpoint cross for Fernandez.

The midfielder ghosted between two defenders to head the ball down past Adrian.

Suddenly, Chelsea’s tails were up, and the fans behind the goal came alive.

In the 70th minute, Palmer worked his magic again, dancing on the edge of the box before whipping in a delightful ball that struck Jackson’s chest and rolled into the net.

Jackson could have added another, but a heavy touch allowed Adrian to collect the ball.

Sancho made it 3-1 when he linked up with fellow substitute Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Caicedo added a fourth to seal the win.

Victory for Chelsea breaks a long-standing pattern of success for Spanish clubs.

Considering the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League and UEFA Cup/Europa League, all of the previous 27 men’s finals involving Spanish teams had ended with Spanish winners.

On the few occasions when Spanish sides were defeated, it was always by fellow La Liga teams.

Earlier, the centre of Wroclaw was packed with supporters from both clubs, with green-and-white clad Betis fans outnumbering their English rivals.

Poland’s interior minister said police made 28 arrests after fans clashed in the city’s market square.