
Chelsea defeat Betis 4-1 to win Conference League
Substitute Jadon Sancho made the game safe in the 83rd minute as the Spanish side faded in their first European final and Moises Caicedo added gloss to the scoreline. Chelsea are the first club to win the full set of Champions League, Europa League, Conference League and the now-defunct Cup Winners' Cup.
It is also the first silverware for the club since Todd Boehly's consortium took over from former owner Roman Abramovich in 2022, following an era of unprecedented success for the club. Boehly was on the pitch at the end, savouring the win that seemed unlikely when Betis were in control in the first half.
The trophy win in Poland means Chelsea end the season with a flourish after also securing a place in next season's Champions League following a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League.
"It's a great feeling," captain Reece James told TNT Sports. "As the game went on we grew into it and thankfully we scored four goals in the second half.
"Coming into this competition was something we had to win. Next season we go again in the Champions League."
The Spanish side went ahead in the ninth minute through Ezzalzouli, who scored the goal against Fiorentina that took his side to the final.
Reece James lifts the trophy with teammates. — Reuters
Malo Gusto lost the ball and it broke to Betis captain Isco, who produced a clever pass to find Ezzalzouli on the edge of the box, with the Moroccan drilling a left-footed shot across Filip Jorgensen.
Minutes later Marc Bartra tried his luck from distance but this time Jorgensen was equal to the task, producing a flying save.
Urged on by their massed ranks of fans, Betis went close again when Johnny Cardoso's shot from inside the box was deflected behind.
The Premier League side were enjoying the bulk of possession but struggling to create meaningful chances, with Betis defending well and Isco, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, pulling the strings.
PALMER MAGIC
Maresca brought on James for the struggling Gusto at the break and the English side looked livelier.
Pellegrini was forced a change when goalscorer Ezzalzouli was forced off, with Jesus Rodriguez coming on to replace him.
Maresca also made a number of other changes, including bringing on Sancho, but it took two moments of magic from Palmer to turn the tide.
The England man produced a pinpoint cross from the right that found the onrushing Argentina midfielder Fernandez, who got between two defenders to head the ball past Adrian in the 65th minute. Suddenly Chelsea's tails were up and the fans behind the goal were in full voice.
Five minutes later Palmer bamboozled the Betis defence, producing a wonderful turn and cross which Jackson bundled into the net.
Jackson should have scored a second goal but a heavy touch allowed the Betis goalkeeper to gather.
But Sancho made it 3-1 when he combined with fellow substitute Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and finished from the angle and Caicedo added a fourth from the edge of the box. Victory for Chelsea breaks an astonishing cycle of wins for Spanish teams.
Taking into account World Cups, European Championships, Champions League and the UEFA Cup/Europa League, of the previous 27 men's finals involving Spanish teams, all 27 had had Spanish winners. — AFP
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Liverpool spending justified by title: CEO
Liverpool's big-money investment on transfers is the result of long-term planning, club CEO Billy Hogan said, adding that winning a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title convinced the club it was time to act like a modern powerhouse. Liverpool's latest acquisition, French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth 79 million pounds ($106.84 million), including add-ons, has taken the club's transfer expenditure this window to nearly 300 million pounds. Outgoings, six players including Trent Alexander-Arnold, have so far generated around 64 million pounds. The outlay marks a sharp departure from Liverpool's traditionally measured approach in the market. However, Hogan insists the club has not deviated from the club's policy of financial sustainability. 'It doesn't just happen; it's been years in the making,' Hogan told The Athletic in an interview. 'One of the things we're constantly focused on is that 'virtuous circle'. Trying to run the club in the right way to ensure that we can generate as much revenue as we possibly can. That obviously helps in terms of being able to put more back into the team. 'The difficulty is if you just look at one individual summer. That probably skews the data. There were a lot of comments made last summer that we didn't spend enough...' Hogan explained the approach reflects the ambitions of American-led Fenway Sports Group (FSG), who are seeking to build on last season's Premier League title under manager Arne Slot. 'We also recognise, having won the English league title for the 20th time, that this is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We want to make sure that we are behaving like one,' he added. 'Having massive global stars come and play at Anfield, filling out stadiums in Hong Kong and Japan, those are things we expect and want to do.' Liverpool face AC Milan in Kowloon, Hong Kong on Saturday, before taking on Yokohama FM in the J League World Challenge in Yokohama on Wednesday. They begin their Premier League title defence at home against Bournemouth on August 15. — Reuters


Observer
6 days ago
- Observer
Arsenal manager Arteta pleased with early transfer business
KALLANG, Singapore : Mikel Arteta said he was happy that Arsenal had signed a number of top-quality players in the early stages of the transfer window, and that they had given the Premier League club impetus to raise their level in the coming season. Runners-up for the last three seasons, Arsenal have signed winger Noni Madueke and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, as well as midfielders Christian Norgaard from Brentford and Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. "They bring new excitement, a new energy as well," Arteta told reporters in Singapore on Monday ahead of a pre-season match against Serie A side AC Milan. "We signed very important players as well. Again, everybody feels like their height has to go to a different level, and that's what we're seeking," he added. "Ideally, you want it (transfers) done on day one in pre-season. We've done very, very well so far. I'm very pleased with the way the club is supporting the necessities and improvements that we required in the team." Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season, is also expected to move to the Emirates Stadium. "There's still a long time in the window, and we are seeking. In terms of numbers, we are short, and we have to improve the depth and the quality of the squad," Arteta added. "We are constantly looking in the market, but until that happens, I can focus on the players that we actually have, work with them, and I'm very pleased with what I've seen so far in the first 10-15 days." DIFFERENT ARSENAL Arsenal have let Premier League titles slip through their grasp in the last couple of years but this season will be different, defender Gabriel Magalhaes said. "I think the players that came will help us out a lot. The club is doing what is best for the players and the manager," Gabriel told the BBC in an interview published on Sunday. "We want to have the best players. To be in the dispute for titles, you have to have the best players ... We have let a couple of titles slip through our fingers recently. We almost won but I think this year, things will be different." Arsenal begin their 2025-26 Premier League campaign on August 17 with a trip to Manchester United. — Reuters


Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Times of Oman
Have to improve depth, quality of squad: Arteta gives his take on Arsenal's signings
Kallang: Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta expressed his delight with the acquisitions the club has made in the ongoing summer transfer window, but acknowledged that there is still work to be done. The Gunners are on the verge of beginning their pre-season tour and have completed deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke. According to various speculations, Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres are reportedly nearing completion. Norgaard, Kepa and Zubimendi are all part of the squad. However, Madueke will join training after his short break following his move from arch-rival Chelsea. Arteta feels their latest signings have brought "new" excitement as well as energy. He thanked the club for providing him with the ideal support to make the necessary improvements that were required in the team. "It's like shaking the tree again and bringing new faces. They bring new excitement, a new energy as well. We signed very important players as well. Again, everybody feels like their height has to go to a different level, and that's what we're seeking," Arteta said in a press conference as quoted from the club's official website. "Ideally, you want it (transfers) done on day one in pre-season. We've done very, very well so far. I'm very pleased with the way the club is supporting the necessities and improvements that we required in the team," he added. With the transfer window open till September 1, Arsenal have enough time to assess their squad and make the necessary signings. Arteta gave a current assessment and declared that they still need to improve the depth and quality of the existing squad. "There's still a long time in the window, and we are seeking. In terms of numbers, we are short, and we have to improve the depth and the quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market, but until that happens, I can focus on the players that we actually have, work with them, and I'm very pleased with what I've seen so far in the first 10-15 days," he said. Arsenal will begin their Asia Tour against Serie A side AC Milan on Wednesday, a contest that will help Arteta to fine-tune their preparations before the Premier League season kicks off next month.