Chelsea wrapped up the 2024/25 season with their first trophy in four years as they were crowned Conference League champions.
The Blues were firmly up against it against Real Betis, and fell behind in the first half. However, goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernandez turned things around as they showed their quality.
Cole Palmer led the fightback with two excellent assists, and Chelsea were far the better team as they built on qualifying for the Champions League at the weekend.
Many were fearing the impact that Antony could have up against them after his excellent spell on loan from Manchester United this season.
However, the Brazilian hardly had a sniff in attack, largely down to the dominant performance of Marc Cucurella at the back.
Real Betis fans admire ‘wonderful’ Marc Cucurella
The Spain international has enjoyed a sensational campaign under Enzo Maresca, and carried that on in the Conference League final.
Supporters of Betis were quick to take to social media to praise the left-back for his performance in Poland.
One user said: “We’re all thinking about Antony because we’re watching the match with Real Betis Balompié, but if this were a Spain vs. Brazil match, we’d be praising Marc Cucurella in every tweet. He’s winning over him.”
Another added: “Little is said about the wonderful left back we have in Spain called Marc Cucurella.”
A third claimed: “Anthony’s worst game with Betis. Cucurella was dribbled 0 times in the entire match.”
Another stated: “By the way, is it crazy to say Marc Cucurella is the best left-back in the world? I have no doubts about the Premier League right now. Antony is just one of the many elite wingers he’s won over this season. And he’s racked up some important goals to boot.”
Finally, one user said: “Marc Cucurella is very good, by the way.”
Cucurella’s stats vs Real Betis
While keeping Antony quiet, Cucurella enjoyed another strong game as he hardly put a foot wrong both in and out of possession.
| Marc Cucurella vs Real Betis | Total |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Duels won | 3/3 |
| Dribbled past | 0 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Accurate passes | 56/61 |
Having frequently been a goal threat for the Blues this season, Cucurella was tasked with making up the back three as Malo Gusto, and then Reece James, occupied the more advanced position.
A trophy is the least the defender deserves after an excellent season, and he is one of those who can be expected to live up to the big European nights next year.
