Blues book Wrocław ticket after dominant win over Djurgarden
Chelsea will be playing in a UEFA Europa Conference League final for the first time in their history after recording a 5-1 aggregate victory against Djurgarden. A 4–1 triumph at Stamford Bridge was followed by 1–0 success away to steer the Blues into the final, a game scheduled for May 28, 2025, at Wrocław Stadium in Poland.
Chelsea’s Conference League adventure has been a ragbag collection of learning curves and standout performances. Chelsea’s form in the Premier League has been wobbly, and the European competition has offered it rhythm and a chance to experiment with new systems under Enzo Maresca, who took over as manager in midseason.
For the semi-final, Cole Palmer was there to step up to the plate, one more time for the spotlight. The promising forward scored a goal and was responsible for a handful of big chances in each leg of the challenge. Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke further cemented their potential and so too did Malo Gusto, who has become a crucial player on the right flank in the absence of Reece James.
Chelsea are into the Conference League Final! 💪
The Blues will have a chance to win their first trophy since 2021 🏆 pic.twitter.com/dPU0NSNky9
— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) May 8, 2025
Enzo Maresca was already making brave team decisions ahead of the time the knockout games came. Palmer, Trevoh Chalobah and 16-year-old Mathis Amougou were the trio added to the Conference League squad. Crocked midfielders Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana were left out, an indication of their absence ahead of the final.
Following the win, after the second leg, Maresca said his squad’s togetherness and versatility had been crucial. “This competition has helped us grow together,” he said. “Every match is a step forward in this project.”
Chelsea to face Real Betis in Conference League showdown
Chelsea will play Spanish side Real Betis in the final, after Manuel Pellegrini’s outfit edged past Club Brugge on penalties. A technically-gifted side with a La Liga background, Betis will really challenge Chelsea’s character and tactics as a great looking tie awaits in Wrocław.
In truth, the Chelsea Conference League campaign was never solely about results — it was a laboratory for the new Chelsea. In Palmer’s emergence as a leader, a rejuvenated Enzo Fernández, a flourishing Conor Gallagher, the club is slowly forging a new identity under Maresca’s guidance.
Fan reaction has changed significantly. It began as an unwanted Europa Conference League adventure and has developed into a hellbent attempt at redemption. Away sections sold out and vibrant chants at the Bridge lay bare that fans are chirping on to the mission to haul European silverware back to west London—premier tier or not.
Victory in the final would also mean a place in next season’s Europa League at least, which could be very important if Chelsea do not finish in the top six of the league. To be able to get their hands on this trophy would be a potentially emotional catharsis after years of fluctuating form and post-Abramovich instability.
Author’s Opinion
Admittedly, the UEFA Europa Conference League doesn’t carry the same glitz as its older siblings, but don’t let that fool you. It has also provided Chelsea with something precious: a goal, a way forward, an opportunity to grow as a team.
Real Betis are no pushovers. Moreover, they bring experience, present a genuine threat, and approach the final with just as much hunger for continental silverware as Chelsea. But Chelsea, just getting in stride under Maresca, have the talent to beat them — particularly if players like Palmer and Fernández keep complementing each other so well.
Winning this final won’t shut up every critic, but it will send a message. The Chelsea Conference League run has already demonstrated this team grows under pressure. One last 90-minute exertion in Poland, and Chelsea could claim their first piece of silverware since 2021 — and finally begin the process of transforming potential into progress.
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