Chelsea players celebrate with the Conference League trophy
Rokswa (Poland) ∙ Chelsea fans will say that playmaker is Cole Palmer. They confirmed that once again in yesterday’s UEFA Conference League football final. English club Chelsea won the UEFA Conference League final, the third tier of European leagues, after being 1-0 down in the first half, and defeated Spanish club Real Betis 4-1. Palmer was the man of the match, who turned the tide of the game by bringing Chelsea back into the match with two consecutive assists in the second half.
Real Betis took the lead in the 9th minute through Abdeh Essalzuly’s goal. In response, Chelsea returned the goals through Enzo Fernandez (65), Nicholas Jackson (70), Jadon Sancho (83), and Moises Caicedo (90+1). Chelsea’s 4 goals were scored in 26 minutes. Real Betis took the lead in the 9th minute, shocking Chelsea fans. Veteran player Isco’s pass was received and Moroccan player Abde Essalsouli’s shot into Chelsea’s net; Betis took a 1-0 lead. Despite having the ball for most of the first half, Chelsea were unable to score a goal. The Blues continued to attack in the second half without giving up hope. The moment came in the 65th minute when fans once again proved that the best thing that happened to them after taking over ownership of Chelsea under the leadership of American businessman Todd Boley was bringing Cole Palmer to the team. Palmer’s cross was enough to head Enzo Fernandez, who was waiting at the opposite post after the Betis defenders were paralyzed. The Argentine player’s header into the net (1-1). In the 70th minute, Palmer’s next cross from the right wing of the field. This time, the target was Nicholas Jackson. Jackson, who received the ball on his chest without making a mistake, pushed it into the net. Chelsea were ahead (2–1). Things were easy for Chelsea after that.
Another substitute, Jadon Sancho (83rd minute), scored goals from Dewsbury Hall’s pass and Moises Caicedo (90+1) from Enzo’s pass, secured Chelsea’s victory. With the title, Chelsea set a record for being the first team to win all of UEFA’s club trophies. Chelsea has also won the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and the now-non-existent Winners’ Cup.
Todd Boley’s money grab
The UEFA Conference League, which Chelsea is winning, is the first title under American billionaire Todd Boley. Todd Boley, who took over Chelsea in 2022 after billionaire Roman Abramovich, who owned the London club for 19 years, waited 3 years for a title. Since Boley’s takeover, Chelsea has spent more than Rs 11,000 crore in the transfer market so far. During this period, 5 coaches have been replaced and tested. 40 players have signed with Chelsea. But Chelsea has not been able to perform according to the money after 2022. Attacking midfielder Cole Palm was brought to the Chelsea team from English club Manchester City for Rs 444 crore in 2023.
