The 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League final concluded in Wrocław, Poland, with Chelsea producing a stunning 4-1 comeback win over Spanish side Real Betis to claim their first-ever Conference League title. But beyond just lifting a new trophy, the Blues etched their name into the history books, becoming the first club ever to win all five of UEFA’s major club competitions: the Champions League, Europa League, Europa Conference League, Cup Winners’ Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.
End of a Trophy Drought, Dawn of a New Era
For Chelsea fans, this triumph carries immense weight. The club hadn’t won a major trophy since 2021, when they lifted the Champions League under Thomas Tuchel. After four seasons of frustration, inconsistency, and transition, Chelsea have returned to the European stage spectacularly, completing a historic “European Grand Slam” never before achieved by clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or Barcelona.
Italian Coaches at the Heart of European Glory
Interestingly, each of Chelsea’s three modern European titles has come under the leadership of an Italian manager. Roberto Di Matteo guided them to Champions League glory in 2012, Maurizio Sarri took the Europa League in 2019, and now Enzo Maresca has added the Conference League in 2025.
After the match, Maresca paid tribute to the club and its supporters:
“These fans have waited years for this moment. The club has invested heavily in recent seasons, and finally, we’re seeing the results. I hope this is just the beginning of a new journey, one that brings even more success to Stamford Bridge.”
Palmer Shines as Chelsea Turn the Tide
Despite going a goal down in the first half to a spirited Betis side, Chelsea never looked truly rattled. In the second half, Cole Palmer took control of the game, delivering two precise assists to help Enzo Fernández and Nicolas Jackson flip the match on its head.
Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho added a third, and Moisés Caicedo sealed the deal with a late strike. In the end, Chelsea’s quality overwhelmed Betis, and the Blues celebrated a comprehensive 4-1 victory under the Polish night sky.
Historic Season for English Clubs
Chelsea’s triumph capped off a remarkable season for English clubs, with five different Premier League teams winning five different major competitions:
- Liverpool – Premier League
- Crystal Palace – FA Cup
- Newcastle United – Carabao Cup
- Tottenham Hotspur – Europa League
- Chelsea – Conference League
Never before in Premier League history have five separate English clubs won five major trophies in the same season. It’s a testament to the depth and competitiveness of the English game, and a possible warning shot to Europe.
The final also marked a symbolic shift in European football dynamics. This was the first time since 2001 that an English side defeated a Spanish opponent in a major European final. The previous nine attempts had all ended in defeat for Premier League clubs.
Moreover, Chelsea snapped La Liga’s astounding 23-match unbeaten run in European finals—a streak that dated back to Valencia’s penalty shootout loss to Bayern Munich in the 2001 Champions League final.
Climbing the European Ranks
With this win, Chelsea now boasts seven European titles, moving closer to Liverpool’s English record of nine. Even more impressive? The Blues have appeared in eight European finals and won seven, with the only loss coming in the 2008 Champions League final against Manchester United on penalties.
On a night where records were shattered and history was made, Chelsea sent a clear message: they’re back. For a club that’s endured turbulence and transition in recent seasons, this victory may just be the spark for something greater.
Is this the start of a new “Blue Dynasty” in Europe? Only time will tell, but for now, Chelsea fans can dream big again.
