Chelsea certainly enjoyed their trip to Poland this week by securing a European trophy.
The Blues signed off for the 2024/25 season by beating Spanish opponents Real Betis by a 4-1 scoreline in the final of the Conference League.
In a match of two halves, Betis started much stronger, leading 1-0 at half time. However, Chelsea sprang to life in the second period with four unanswered goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo to clinch the European silverware.
Chelsea’s owners celebrated on the pitch after watching the team deliver a trophy in some style.
Enzo Maresca can now reflect on a strong debut season as Chelsea’s head coach, winning the Conference League and finishing fourth in the Premier League.
Photo by Alexandra Fechete/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Alexandra Fechete/MB Media/Getty Images
It was a memorable occasion for all the travelling supporters that went to Wroclaw, Poland. In particular, they were treated to a masterclass from Cole Palmer, 23, in the second half.
The Blues’ attacking midfielder assisted Fernandez’s equalising header with a delicious cross. Just five minutes later, he assisted Jackson’s goal after some magical individual play to dribble free in the penalty box.
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TVP Sport, which is a Polish sports channel, singled out Chelsea talisman Palmer after his impact in the Conference League final in their country.
TVP Sport wrote: “The success would not have been possible without the sensational form that Cole Palmer showed. The 23-year-old Englishman did not get on the scoresheet, but he did provide two assists – for Enzo and Jackson.”
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
OptaJoe highlighted that Palmer broke a seven-year record on Wednesday night, becoming the first player to create two assists in a major European final since Real Madrid’s Marcelo against Liverpool in the 2017/18 Champions League season.
Spanish media raved about Palmer after his brilliance took the game away from La Liga outfit Betis in the Conference League final. Incidentally, it’s great to see that he’s won his first trophy as a Chelsea player after two magical years at the club since joining from Manchester City, where he was used to picking up medals.
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini was “bitter” about losing to Chelsea because his side were on top for the opening 45 minutes. Once Palmer started to flex his muscles in the second half, the writing was on the wall.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
The stats behind Cole Palmer’s display vs Real Betis
Palmer passed the eye test with flying colours against Betis, especially in the second half.
Here is a look at the statistics from the Chelsea playmaker’s individual performance in a European final.
Minutes played Goals Assists Shots on target Chances created Accurate passes Successful dribbles Offsides Match rating
88 0 2 2/2 (100%) 2 32/38 (84%) 4/6 (67%) 1 8.7
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer vs Real Betis via FOTMOB
Maresca previously waxed lyrical about Palmer by claiming that he’s got a unique talent that not many footballers possess. When Chelsea need him the most, he’s the player capable of flicking a switch and deciding a match with individual brilliance.
It means Palmer finishes the season with 15 goals and 12 assists across all competitions for the Blues.