Chelsea claimed the UEFA Europa Conference League title with a dominant 4-1 victory over Real Betis in Thursday’s final, held in England.
The Premier League side came from behind after conceding early, with goals from Enzo Fernández, Nicolas Jackson, Japhet Tanganga and Moisés Caicedo securing the win and capping off their European campaign in emphatic fashion.
Real Betis took an early lead in the ninth minute through Moroccan winger Abde Ezzalzouli, whose precise finish gave the Spanish side a dream start. Betis controlled much of the first half, using their width to good effect and unsettling the Chelsea backline. However, they were unable to extend their lead, leaving the door open for a second-half resurgence from the English side.
After the break, Chelsea returned with renewed intensity and purpose. Midfielder Enzo Fernández sparked the comeback, levelling the match in the 65th minute with a low-driven strike that beat Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva.
Just five minutes later, Senegalese forward Nicolas Jackson completed the turnaround. Pouncing on a defensive lapse, Jackson slotted home his third goal of the competition, putting Chelsea ahead for the first time in the match.
With Betis visibly shaken, Chelsea pushed forward to seal the result. Japhet Tanganga added the third goal in the 83rd minute, converting from a set-piece to give the London side a comfortable cushion.
Moisés Caicedo then wrapped up the scoring in stoppage time, netting in the 91st minute to seal a memorable night for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
For Jackson, the triumph marked a major milestone. His goal not only played a decisive role in the final but also underlined his growing importance in Chelsea’s attack.
The 22-year-old became the second Senegalese player to win a European title this season, following in the footsteps of Pape Matar Sarr, who lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy with Tottenham Hotspur.
Chelsea’s journey to the Conference League title had been a test of resilience and consistency. Despite a challenging domestic season, the Blues found form in European competition, navigating a tricky knockout phase that included wins over clubs from Germany, Italy and France. Thursday’s final offered a chance to salvage silverware from a transitional campaign and they seized it.
Real Betis, for their part, showed promise early in the game but struggled to cope with Chelsea’s second-half pressure. Ezzalzouli’s opener had given them hope of a historic European title, but lapses in concentration and fatigue proved costly as the match wore on.
The victory also marks Chelsea’s first ever UEFA Europa Conference League title, adding to their decorated European history that already includes Champions League and Europa League honours. It serves as a morale-boosting end to their season and a potential springboard for a squad still being shaped under Pochettino’s guidance.
As celebrations unfolded at full time, attention began turning toward the future. For Chelsea, the win represents more than just a trophy. It is a statement of intent.
And for Nicolas Jackson, it is the latest chapter in a promising European rise.
