Latest news with #EnzoFernández
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
Chelsea become first team to win all major European Championships after 4-1 win over Real Betis; Check all records created by the Blues
English giants Chelsea capped off their 2024-25 season with a thumping 4-1 win over Real Betis to win the UEFA Europa Conference League in Wroclaw, Poland on Wednesday, making them the first club to win all three major European Championships. Earlier, Chelsea won both the UEFA Champions League (2012 and 2021) and the UEFA Europa League (2013 and 2019) on two occasions. The Blues are also the first side to win all five of UEFA's men's senior club competitions, which include the UEFA Super Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (now defunct). In addition, the club with a rich history have also claimed the FIFA Club World Cup in 2021. The win on Wednesday was the story of two halves, where Chelsea were put under extreme pressure by Betis after a 9th-minute goal by Abde Ezzalzouli. But a host of goals in the second half by Enzo Fernández in the 65th, Nicolas Jackson in the 70th, followed by an 83rd-minute goal by Jadon Sancho and an extra-time goal by Moisés Caicedo to make it 4-1 after trailing 1-0 for nearly two-thirds of the game. The silverware came at the back of a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the last game of the Premier League, which fired Chelsea to the fourth spot behind title winners Liverpool, second-placed Arsenal and Manchester City in third. The win also denied Forest a ticket to the Champions League, but the Enzo Maresca side secured their UCL ticket after that win. 'It's a great feeling. As the game went on, we grew into it, and thankfully, we scored four goals in the second half,' said Chelsea captain Reece James after the match to TNT. 'Coming into this competition, it was something we had to win. Next season we go again in the Champions League,' he added.
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Chelsea's billion-pound boys take charge and show clinical cutting edge
A waft of Cole Palmer's left foot; a clip from the right; a convincing victory that simultaneously made all the sense in the world and absolutely none. The biggest task Enzo Maresca faced in his first season at Chelsea had been, he suggested before this crowning moment, to convince his squad the Conference League mattered. As the entire playing staff streamed across the turf to hail Moisés Caicedo's clincher, they offered up a convincing impression of a group that had firmly grasped the message. Palmer did not quite dominate this final but he bent it in Chelsea's direction, drifting this way and that until everything around him clicked. Before his delivery on to the primed head of Enzo Fernández, they had grasped for synthesis without threatening it. After he twisted a milky Jesús Rodríguez inside out and offered up an unorthodox finish for Nicolas Jackson's collection they resembled giants against helpless waifs. For all the heated celebrations, which began in earnest once Jadon Sancho had scored their best goal, this was a title won in cold, dead-eyed Premier League blood. This chilly, gusty night in Silesia dealt the illusion of romance before surrendering to stark reality. A fun, smart Real Betis side should have been more than a goal up by half-time: they were brisker, quicker, slicker, their penalty area seemingly protected by the wall of baying, singing, whistling green and white shirts positioned behind. There was a thrill in wondering how Betis's massed support, who did not experience Chelsea's problems in selling out their allocation, might respond to a first European trophy of their lives. Perhaps they would have heralded it had Benoît Badiashile not managed to deflect Johnny Cardoso's shot wide midway through that opening period. It would have put them 2-0 ahead and, at that point, Chelsea's appetite would have been thoroughly tested. Betis were a joy to watch for spells, Isco pulling the ball down from the sky in one action and harrying back towards his own corner flag to chauffeur it for a goal kick in another. His assist was an exhibition of vision nobody else on the pitch could have produced. The left winger and goalscorer Abde Ezzalzouli fizzed into the space behind Malo Gusto, beating him for skill when the pair faced off. There was a pureness to both Betis's quality and their quest. Then the billion-pound boys took charge against a team valued at little more than a tenth of that figure. Betis could not compensate for the early withdrawals of Ezzalzouli and the left-back Ricardo Rodriguez. Chelsea were able to lock them down from the bench by wielding their physical, clinical cutting edge. Sancho, their Manchester United outcast, added a crucial spark and could console an emotional Antony, his Betis equivalent, after the final whistle. Chelsea scored 45 goals in their 15 Conference League games, conceding only 12. Until Betis's short-lived bravura show, a minor scare against Servette in the playoff round was as dicey as things got. Nobody can, or should, contort themselves into producing reasons for Chelsea not to deserve winning the competition. Their dominance has been overwhelming. But it is also difficult to make a case that it brings any broader positives for a tournament designed to elevate the continent's less heralded classes. They have been a cheat code en masse, barreling through an event that was never intended for them. Those viewing that as a melodramatic take may point to the Cup Winners' Cup, which served a similar function even if it was stocked through different means. In 1998 Chelsea won it for the second time, beating another handy Betis team in the last eight. The semi-final lineup was completed by Stuttgart, Vicenza and Lokomotiv Moscow; geopolitical caveats aside, it would hardly have looked out of place as a Conference League final four. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion The Premier League, though, had nothing resembling its present overwhelming financial advantage then. It was beginning to take root but, back then, nobody would have named its fourth-placed side runaway favourites against La Liga's sixth. The expansion of Europe's club competitions, which will be more bloated than ever by England's teams and their riches next season, is in clear danger of stretching the rest of the continent too thinly. Perhaps only the top flight's three relegated sides would not have fancied their chances of making it to Wroclaw this time. None of that is to diminish Chelsea's giddy satisfaction at a job well done; at a strange, sometimes sullen season hitting the two spots that really mattered within 76 hours of each other. Nor is it to speak ill of Palmer's compelling quality, which is showing a habit of rearing up in major finals and surfaced at the right time here. That is what £40m brings you. Betis would depart the tilted playing field licking their wounds. 'I do not seek fleeting glory, but rather that of your name,' their fans' banner had read at kick-off. It is Chelsea whose letters are carved forever on to the trophy.
Irish Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Chelsea storm back at Real Betis to win Conference League
Uefa Conference League final: Chelsea 4 (Enzo 65, Jackson 70, Sancho 83, Caicedo 90+1) Real Betis 1 (Ezzalzouli 9) The signings will keep on coming under this voracious Chelsea ownership but it is unlikely they will ever make a smarter one than Cole Palmer. This was his stage. Palmer stood up when Chelsea needed him most. Two gorgeous assists in the space of five minutes – one for Enzo Fernández, one for Nicolas Jackson – turned the Uefa Conference League final around and brought the west Londoners their first trophy since being bought by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital three years ago. The first of many? The predictability of the outcome did not make the feeling any less sweet at full-time. Enzo Maresca delighted in denying his mentor Manuel Pellegrini a first European trophy at the age of 71. Real Betis dreamt of a romantic finish after going 1-0 up but the financial reality took hold long before Moisés Caicedo made it 4-1 to Chelsea in added time. It was a relief to focus on the football after two days marred by idiotic violence involving supporters of both sides in the city centre. Footage on social media showed riot police using tear gas and a water cannon to combat the disorder, resulting in 28 arrests and heightening tensions to an unnecessary degree in the hours before kick-off. READ MORE At least there was a positive vibe inside a stadium dominated by the green and white of Betis. There was no disguising the sense of longing emanating from the Spaniards, their desperation for their band of Premier League cast-offs to rise to the occasion in the club's first European final. Chelsea, an incongruous presence in a competition never meant for squads built at a cost of over £1bn, were under pressure to match that desire. Word of them failing to fill their allocation hardly hinted at a club gripped by Conference League fever. There was a surprising heaviness to Chelsea, who ought to have had a spring in their step after clinching Champions League qualification by beating Nottingham Forest last Sunday. The shape was wonky, the touches were loose and the early tactical was won by Pellegrini targeting the space left by Maresca's system, which had Malo Gusto drifting inside from right-back to play as an auxiliary midfielder. CHELSEA LEAD! WHAT A TURNAROUND 🤯 Incredible play AGAIN from Cole Palmer 👏 he beats the full back and crosses from Nicolas Jackson who gets a touch on it to send it into the back of the net ⚽️ ADVANTAGE CHELSEA! 📺 — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) It was not clear why Chelsea's strategy seemed to hing on Gusto's turn as a quarterback. The Frenchman, who was one of five changes from Maresca, endured a torrid first half and was culpable when Betis went ahead after nine minutes. A slack ball into midfield invited trouble and Isco duly meted out the punishment, swivelling on the edge of the area and confounding Chelsea's defenders with a beautiful disguised pass to Abde Ezzalzouli, free on the left and unchallenged as he drove a low shot past Filip Jörgensen. Chelsea were shambolic. Maresca had gambled in defence, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah preferred to Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo in the middle, but nothing worked. Simple tasks were beyond Chelsea and Ezzalzouli delighted in tormenting Gusto. Isco, a European champion on five occasions with Real Madrid, was also a joy to watch; everything went through him. Betis called the shots. Marc Bartra stepped out of defence and tested Jörgensen from long range. Badiashile made a vital block to deny Johnny Cardoso. Maresca, who calls Pellegrini his footballing father, grew frenzied on the touchline. Chelsea had offered nothing in attack and were booed off at half-time. Maresca used the break to correct his error of leaving out Reece James. The captain replaced Gusto, who retreated having produced one of the most calamitous performances in European final history, and gave Chelsea more poise. Still, though, there was little from Palmer and his fellow creators. Pedro Neto was irritable with himself on the right. Noni Madueke was quiet. Jackson needed better service. TAKE A BOW JADON SANCHO 🤩 What a finish from the on-loan winger, as he cuts inside and fires expertly into the far corner to give Chelsea a 2-goal lead - is that the game for the Blues...? 🏆 📺 — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) But Betis were less vibrant at the start of the second half. Marc Cucurella was doing well against Antony, who was in Manchester United mode, and it was a relief for Chelsea when Ezzalzouli limped off. The mood changed, Chelsea stepping up, Fernández and Caicedo taking charge in midfield. Betis looked tired. They could not get out. Palmer took over. His influence grew, culminating in the moment when he cut in from the right and feathered a cross into the middle, the ball floating away from Bartra and in off Fernández's head. Chelsea's superior pace and power came to the fore. Palmer was irrepressible. There he was again in the 70th minute, twisting and turning past the Betis substitute, Jesus Rodríguez. This time the cross was firmer; it found Jackson, who chested past Adrián to give Chelsea the lead. This was the only European trophy missing for Chelsea. They knew it was theirs when two substitutes combined, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall dribbling through and finding Jadon Sancho, whose whipped a shot past Adrian. Caicedo then capped it off, firing in from 20 yards. – Guardian
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Chelsea and Cole Palmer storm back at Real Betis to win Conference League
The signings will keep on coming under this voracious Chelsea ownership but it is unlikely they will ever make a smarter one than Cole Palmer. This was his stage. Palmer stood up when Chelsea needed him most. Two gorgeous assists in the space of five minutes – one for Enzo Fernández, one for Nicolas Jackson – turned the Uefa Conference League final around and brought the west Londoners their first trophy since being bought by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital three years ago. The first of many? The predictability of the outcome did not make the feeling any less sweet at full-time. Enzo Maresca delighted in denying his mentor Manuel Pellegrini a first European trophy at the age of 71. Real Betis dreamt of a romantic finish after going 1-0 up but the financial reality took hold long before Moisés Caicedo made it 4-1 to Chelsea in added time. It was a relief to focus on the football after two days marred by idiotic violence involving supporters of both sides in the city centre. Footage on social media showed riot police using tear gas and a water cannon to combat the disorder, resulting in 28 arrests and heightening tensions to an unnecessary degree in the hours before kick-off. At least there was a positive vibe inside a stadium dominated by the green and white of Betis. There was no disguising the sense of longing emanating from the Spaniards, their desperation for their band of Premier League cast-offs to rise to the occasion in the club's first European final. Chelsea, an incongruous presence in a competition never meant for squads built at a cost of over £1bn, were under pressure to match that desire. Word of them failing to fill their allocation hardly hinted at a club gripped by Conference League fever. There was a surprising heaviness to Chelsea, who ought to have had a spring in their step after clinching Champions League qualification by beating Nottingham Forest last Sunday. The shape was wonky, the touches were loose and the early tactical was won by Pellegrini targeting the space left by Maresca's system, which had Malo Gusto drifting inside from right-back to play as an auxiliary midfielder. It was not clear why Chelsea's strategy seemed to hing on Gusto's turn as a quarterback. The Frenchman, who was one of five changes from Maresca, endured a torrid first half and was culpable when Betis went ahead after nine minutes. A slack ball into midfield invited trouble and Isco duly meted out the punishment, swivelling on the edge of the area and confounding Chelsea's defenders with a beautiful disguised pass to Abde Ezzalzouli, free on the left and unchallenged as he drove a low shot past Filip Jörgensen. Chelsea were shambolic. Maresca had gambled in defence, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah preferred to Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo in the middle, but nothing worked. Simple tasks were beyond Chelsea and Ezzalzouli delighted in tormenting Gusto. Isco, a European champion on five occasions with Real Madrid, was also a joy to watch; everything went through him. Betis called the shots. Marc Bartra stepped out of defence and tested Jörgensen from long range. Badiashile made a vital block to deny Johnny Cardoso. Maresca, who calls Pellegrini his footballing father, grew frenzied on the touchline. Chelsea had offered nothing in attack and were booed off at half-time. Maresca used the break to correct his error of leaving out Reece James. The captain replaced Gusto, who retreated having produced one of the most calamitous performances in European final history, and gave Chelsea more poise. Still, though, there was little from Palmer and his fellow creators. Pedro Neto was irritable with himself on the right. Noni Madueke was quiet. Jackson needed better service. But Betis were less vibrant at the start of the second half. Marc Cucurella was doing well against Antony, who was in Manchester United mode, and it was a relief for Chelsea when Ezzalzouli limped off. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion The mood changed, Chelsea stepping up, Fernández and Caicedo taking charge in midfield. Betis looked tired. They could not get out. Palmer took over. His influence grew, culminating in the moment when he cut in from the right and feathered a cross into the middle, the ball floating away from Bartra and in off Fernández's head. Chelsea's superior pace and power came to the fore. Palmer was irrepressible. There he was again in the 70th minute, twisting and turning past the Betis substitute, Jesus Rodríguez. This time the cross was firmer; it found Jackson, who chested past Adrián to give Chelsea the lead. This was the only European trophy missing for Chelsea. They knew it was theirs when two substitutes combined, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall dribbling through and finding Jadon Sancho, whose whipped a shot past Adrian. Caicedo then capped it off, firing in from 20 yards.
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Chelsea ‘Take Strong Enzo Fernandez Stance' After Real Madrid Interest
Chelsea are "determined" to stop vice-captain Enzo Fernández from leaving the club to join Real Madrid this summer, according to a report. Fernández has overcome early struggles following his record transfer to Stamford Bridge off the back of winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. At £106.8 million ($143.1 million), he became the most expensive player in Premier League history, later surpassed by teammate Moisés Caicedo. With Chelsea much improved in 2024–25, Fernández has earned plenty of plaudits for his role in midfield. But with such performances, transfer links haven't been far behind. Real Madrid have visions of bolstering their midfield this summer for incoming coach Xabi Alonso, having not replaced Toni Kroos last year and Luka Modrić nearing the end of his career. But The Guardian has reported that Chelsea have "no intention of selling" Fernández, who has emerged alongside a number of other options on Madrid's transfer radar. Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister and Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Larsson are alternatives, although Martin Zubimendi, another target, looks likely to join Arsenal from Real Sociedad instead. The newspaper report notes that there is "no panic" regarding the "noise" and speculation that is surrounded Fernández, and Chelsea will resist efforts from Madrid and others to sign him. The Spanish giants may not even have the necessary funds available, while there is no suggestion that Fernández himself is unhappy, and Chelsea might only consider selling if he were to cause problems internally. Plenty of that noise comes from Spain. AS claims that Fernández is "attracted" to the idea of joining Madrid, with conversations taking place between the club and his representatives prior to joining Chelsea. A price tag of €120 million (£101.2 million, $135.5 million) is reported to be a "starting point" for potential negotiations, although there has been no formal contact over a transfer yet. Alonso's preferred midfield signing is thought to be Bayer Leverkusen no.10 Florian Wirtz, a player he obviously knows extremely well from his time at the BayArena. But whether Madrid go after Wirtz, Fernández or someone else, a big-money signing is thought to require a major sale first, which could push a frustrated Rodrygo further towards the exit. READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS, RUMORS FROM WORLD SOCCER Copyright ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. All Rights Reserved.
