What started as a European campaign few took seriously ended in rapturous celebration as Chelsea thumped Real Betis 4-1 in Wroclaw to lift the UEFA Europa Conference League, completing their sweep of all five UEFA club trophies.
Though some mocked their presence in Europe’s “third-tier” competition, there was no doubt of its significance at full-time—to the players, staff, and fans alike.
Palmer Shines, Chelsea Cruise
In a match that tested Chelsea, especially in a nervy first half where they trailed 1-0—Cole Palmer proved pivotal once again.
He was involved in everything, providing assists for Enzo Fernández and Nicolas Jackson, while Jadon Sanchoand Moises Caicedo added goals in a second-half blitz.
It was Chelsea’s first piece of silverware since the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup, and their first major trophy since the 2021 Champions League.
Is It a Major Trophy? For Chelsea, It Was
Some questioned how much this title would mean to a club of Chelsea’s stature, but their reaction told its own story.
Though they didn’t sell out their final ticket allocation, there were no half-hearted celebrations at the Wroclaw Stadium.
Rotation, Youth, and Evolution Under Maresca
Enzo Maresca treated the competition with strategic respect; rotating heavily while also giving 16-year-old Reggie Walsh his debut and eight academy players first-team minutes. Notably:
Chelsea averaged 8.5 changes from their Premier League XI per European match.
18 players featured more in Europe than the league, including five who left in January.
Palmer wasn’t even registered for Europe until the knockouts.
Yet when it mattered, Maresca deployed a near full-strength side, showing he understood the value of victory.
The Journey: From Near Elimination to History
It almost ended before it started, Chelsea were nearly eliminated by Servette in the play-off round.
But from that close shave, they powered through:
Won every group game by two or more goals
Scored 45 goals across 15 matches
Biggest win: 8-0 vs FC Noah (Conference League record)
Longest trip: 7,000 miles to Kazakhstan in -11°C
Maresca even penned letters to fans who made the trek, reflecting the club’s commitment despite the tier of competition.
First to Complete the Set
With this win, Chelsea becomes the first club to win all five UEFA competitions:
Champions League
Europa League
Conference League
UEFA Super Cup
Cup Winners’ Cup (defunct)
This is an achievement of European pedigree matched by no other.
What Now for Chelsea?
They return to the Champions League next season, armed with new belief, momentum, and a tighter squad bond forged in a European campaign.
Whether the Conference League is a “major” trophy or not, for this young Chelsea squad and new coach Enzo Maresca, it may have been the most important one yet, as a statement of revival.
Up next is the FIFA Club World Cup.
