Latest news with #Ezzalzouli
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
History-makers Chelsea roar back to beat Real Betis in UEFA Conference League final
First club to complete clean sweep of European trophies WROCLAW: Chelsea roared back to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final in Wroclaw on Wednesday, becoming the first club to complete a clean sweep of European trophies. Manuel Pellegrini's enterprising Betis caught the favorites cold with an early goal from Abde Ezzalzouli against a flat-footed and listless Chelsea. But Enzo Maresca's second-half substitutions injected energy and Cole Palmer changed the complexion of the game in a five-minute spell, setting up Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson to score. 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 five UEFA club tournaments - the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Super Cup and the now-defunct Cup Winners' Cup. They have also won their first silverware 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, savoring the win that seemed unlikely when Betis were in control in the first half. Chelsea have ended 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. Maresca, in his first season at Stamford Bridge, said he hoped Conference League glory would be a launchpad for the club. 'The club have invested lots of money in the last three or four years, so they are also waiting for results,' Maresca told TNT Sports. 'Hopefully this can be a starting point and from tonight, from this season, (we are) building something important.' The Spanish side went ahead in the ninth minute through Ezzalzouli, who scored the goal against Fiorentina that took his side to the final. 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 in swinging cross from the right that found 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 twisted and turned before producing another superb cross that 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 an 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. Four Spanish club sides had been defeated in that time, but in all cases by fellow La Liga sides. Earlier, the center of Wroclaw was packed with fans from both clubs, with green-and-white clad Betis fans outnumbering their English rivals. Poland's Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said police made 28 arrests after supporters clashed in the city's market square. — AFP
Observer
a day ago
- Sport
- Observer
Chelsea defeat Betis 4-1 to win Conference League
WROCLAW, Poland: Chelsea roared back to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final in Wroclaw on Wednesday, becoming the first club to claim all four major European trophies. Manuel Pellegrini's enterprising Betis caught the favourites cold with an early goal from Abde Ezzalzouli against a flat-footed and listless Chelsea. But Enzo Maresca's second-half substitutions injected energy and Cole Palmer changed the complexion of the game in a five-minute spell, setting up Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson to score. 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
NDTV
2 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Chelsea Roar Back To Beat Real Betis In UEFA Conference League Final
Chelsea roared back to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final in Wroclaw on Wednesday, becoming the first club to claim all four major European trophies. Manuel Pellegrini's enterprising Betis caught the favourites cold in Poland through an early goal from Abde Ezzalzouli but Enzo Maresca's team were a changed side in the second half. Two goals in five minutes changed the complexion of the game, with man-of-the-match Cole Palmer creating both openings for Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson. Substitute Jadon Sancho made the game safe in the 83rd minute, finishing from an tight angle and Moises Caicedo added gloss to the scoreline. It means Chelsea become 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. After a bright start from both sides, Betis broke the deadlock in the ninth minute through Ezzalzouli, who scored the goal against Fiorentina that took his side to the final. Malo Gusto lost the ball in midfield and Betis surged forward. Captain Isco produced a clever pass to find Ezzalzouli on the edge of the box and the Moroccan drilled a left-footed shot across Filip Jorgensen. Minutes later Marc Bartra tried his luck from distance as Betis pressed for a second, but this time Jorgensen was equal to the task, producing a flying save. Urged on by their massed ranks of fans at Wroclaw stadium, Betis went close again when Johnny Cardoso's shot from inside the box was deflected behind by Benoit Badiashile, with Chelsea clinging on. 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. As half-time approached Betis goalkeeper Adrian raced off his line to deny Enzo Fernandez but Chelsea went in at half-time goalless. - Palmer magic - Maresca brought on Chelsea captain Reece James for the struggling Gusto at the break. The Betis boss was forced a change when goalscorer Ezzalzouli was forced off, with Jesus Rodriguez coming on to replace him. Chelsea were level in the 65th minute following a fine move down the right after Cole Palmer produced a fine cross to pick out Fernandez. The midfielder got between two defenders to head the ball down and past Adrian. Suddenly Chelsea's tails were up and the fans behind the goal were in full voice. In the 70th minute Palmer produced some magic on the edge of the box before producing a delightful cross which hit Jackson's chest and went in. Jackson should have scored a second goal but a heavy touch allowed Adrian to gather. But Sancho made it 3-1 when he combined with fellow substitute Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Caicedo added a fourth. 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. Four Spanish club sides had been defeated in that time, but in all cases by fellow La Liga sides. Earlier, the centre of Wroclaw was packed with fans from both clubs, with green-and-white clad Betis fans outnumbering their English rivals. Poland's interior minister said police made 28 arrests after supporters clashed in the city's market square.
News18
2 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Chelsea Make History With Conference League Triumph, Win All European Trophies
Last Updated: Chelsea became the first club to win all five UEFA trophies after clinching the Conference League trophy with a 4-1 victory over Real Betis. Chelsea surged back to defeat Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final held in Wroclaw on Wednesday, becoming the first club to achieve a clean sweep of European trophies. Manuel Pellegrini's dynamic Betis surprised the favourites with an early goal from Abde Ezzalzouli, capitalising on a sluggish Chelsea side. However, Enzo Maresca's second-half substitutions brought energy, and Cole Palmer transformed the game within five minutes, assisting Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson to score. Substitute Jadon Sancho secured the victory in the 83rd minute as Betis, in their first European final, weakened, and Moises Caicedo added the final touch to the scoreline. Chelsea is the first club to win all five UEFA club tournaments: the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Super Cup, and the now-defunct Cup Winners' Cup. This marks their first silverware since Todd Boehly's consortium took over from Roman Abramovich in 2022, following an era of unprecedented success for the club. Boehly celebrated on the pitch, savouring the win that seemed improbable when Betis controlled the first half. Maresca, in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, expressed hope that the Conference League victory would be a starting point for the club. 'The club has invested heavily in the last few years, so they are also anticipating results," Maresca told TNT Sports. 'Hopefully, this can be a launchpad for building something significant." Betis went ahead in the ninth minute through Ezzalzouli, who scored the decisive goal against Fiorentina to reach the final. Malo Gusto lost possession, allowing Betis captain Isco to deliver a clever pass to Ezzalzouli, who drilled a left-footed shot across Filip Jorgensen. Minutes later, Marc Bartra attempted a long-range shot, but Jorgensen made a spectacular save. Encouraged by their enthusiastic fans, Betis nearly scored again when Johnny Cardoso's shot from inside the box was deflected behind. Despite enjoying most of the possession, Chelsea struggled to create meaningful chances, with Betis defending well and Isco, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, dictating play. Maresca replaced Gusto with James at the break, which revitalised Chelsea. Pellegrini was forced to substitute Ezzalzouli with Jesus Rodriguez. Maresca made several other changes, including bringing on Sancho, but Palmer's brilliance changed the course of the match. Palmer's precise inswinging cross from the right found Fernandez, who headed the ball past Adrian in the 65th minute. Chelsea's momentum surged, and their fans roared with excitement. Five minutes later, Palmer delivered another superb cross that Jackson bundled into the net. Jackson missed a second goal due to a heavy touch, allowing the Betis goalkeeper to gather. Sancho combined with fellow substitute Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to make it 3-1, and Caicedo added a fourth from the edge of the box. Chelsea's victory ends an impressive streak of Spanish team wins. In the last 27 men's finals involving Spanish teams, all had Spanish winners, with Spanish club sides only defeated by fellow La Liga teams. Earlier, the center of Wroclaw was filled with fans from both clubs, with Betis supporters outnumbering Chelsea fans. Poland's Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak reported that police made 28 arrests following clashes in the city's market square. Location : Wroclaw First Published: May 29, 2025, 07:05 IST News sports » football Chelsea Make History With Conference League Triumph, Win All European Trophies
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
History-makers Chelsea roar back to beat Real Betis in UEFA Conference League final
CHELSEA roared back to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final in Wroclaw on Wednesday, becoming the first club to complete a clean sweep of European trophies. Manuel Pellegrini's enterprising Betis caught the favourites cold with an early goal from Abde Ezzalzouli against a flat-footed and listless Chelsea. But Enzo Maresca's second-half substitutions injected energy and Cole Palmer changed the complexion of the game in a five-minute spell, setting up Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson to score. 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 five UEFA club tournaments -- the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Super Cup and the now-defunct Cup Winners' Cup. They have also won their first silverware 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. Chelsea have ended 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. Maresca, in his first season at Stamford Bridge, said he hoped Conference League glory would be a launchpad for the club. 'The club have invested lots of money in the last three or four years, so they are also waiting for results,' Maresca told TNT Sports. 'Hopefully this can be a starting point and from tonight, from this season, (we are) building something important.' The Spanish side went ahead in the ninth minute through Ezzalzouli, who scored the goal against Fiorentina that took his side to the final. 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 inswinging cross from the right that found 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 twisted and turned before producing another superb cross that 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 an 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. Four Spanish club sides had been defeated in that time, but in all cases by fellow La Liga sides. Earlier, the centre of Wroclaw was packed with fans from both clubs, with green-and-white clad Betis fans outnumbering their English rivals. Poland's Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said police made 28 arrests after supporters clashed in the city's market square.
