Chelsea have become the first men’s team to win all three major European competitions after defeating Real Betis 4-1 to win the UEFA Conference League on Tuesday in Poland. Betis went ahead only nine minutes into the match via winger Abdessamad Ezalzouli, but in the second half of play, Chelsea were able to hit back as Cole Palmer orchestrated two great goals, assisting Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson before the Blues scored twice more via Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo.
Manager Enzo Maresca called out Jackson for needing to make up for being suspended for the end of the Premier League season, and the Senegalese striker delivered with a goal in a big moment. After Sancho’s insurance goal, it was party time for a season that has seen Chelsea secure a return to Champions League soccer by finishing in the top four of the Premier League, but they would add on to it late in added time.
It was a Conference League where Chelsea got their youth playing time, but Maresca raised some eyebrows, not including captain Reece James in the starting XI. As Chelsea came out lethargic, with Betis controlling the game in attack, they got hit with Ezzalzouli’s goal, but thanks to big saves from Filip Jorgensen keeping the Blues in the game and changes like James entering the match, Chelsea were able to get control back to lift the trophy.
Now it’s time for a short break for the Blues, but they’ll be back in action shortly with the Club World Cup kicking off on June 14 in the United States, providing a chance for another trophy. Securing this title while also returning to the Champions League for the first time since 2021, the improvement at Samford Bridge is clear. It may not be the most thrilling season, but when previous Chelsea seasons have seen various levels of disappointments, a Conference League title is something to celebrate.
Are Chelsea back?
Accomplishing this with the youngest team in the Premier League, improvement will be expected next season. For many players in the squad, this trophy is the first major trophy of their careers, which is the hardest one to win. Changes will happen between this season and next season, but given that Chelsea have a genuine star to build around in Cole Palmer, who had 15 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, momentum is theirs. While he may not have met the lofty expectations for this season after a hot start, showing up big time in the final bodes well for the future as long as he and others continue to develop.
Midfield is set with Romeo Lavia, Fernandez, and Caicedo, and the defense has bright spots. If the Blues can figure out the striker position and goalkeeper, there’s no reason why this team can’t be competing for trophies every season, which is the expectation for Chelsea. With the Club World Cup, while Chelsea will have a shorter offseason than most, it gives Maresca more time to work with his squad after hitting these highs.
Chelsea’s defense has been able to help grind games out, so the next step is to take control of matches with possession and play on the front foot. Being able to do that at the Club World Cup would help set the Blues up for the coming season, which will be a grind. Young players have gotten valuable minutes and now Chelsea need to take that next step after yet another significant victory.
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