Real Betis were ultimately overpowered by opponents Chelsea in the Conference League final.
Despite taking the lead in Wednesday night’s European final, Betis suffered a crushing 4-1 loss against Chelsea in the Conference League.
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini was hugely disappointed by losing to Chelsea because he felt his side were well on top in the first half. However, Enzo Maresca’s side responded with four goals in a dominant second-half performance.
The result means that Chelsea are the only club to win every major European trophy, so the young squad helped to create a bit of history in midweek. Incidentally, Thiago Silva reacted to Chelsea’s Conference League triumph with a post that supporters will love.
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Marc Bartra singles out impressive Jadon Sancho
Marc Bartra, who started at centre-back in the Conference League final, praised Chelsea straight after the match.
In particular, he highlighted the key strengths in the Blues side, including Jadon Sancho.
Betis star Bartra, 34, said via Marca: “Obviously, the players who came on are top-level players, but it’s like going into a final from scratch against some very good players. They had a very powerful right wing, the second-half substitutions like Sancho… They hurt us even more. I’m proud of everyone. We competed as hard as we could. We were there.”
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Even though Sancho was named on the bench, he still left a huge impact on the cup final. The 25-year-old winger scored his team’s third goal with a stunning effort that he curled into the top corner.
Joe Cole wants Sancho at Chelsea next season and has urged the club to turn his loan deal into a permanent one this summer.
Like Sancho, Reece James also made a huge impact as a substitute in the victory against Betis. Ultimately, the Premier League outfit had the strength in depth available to them to change things up and win the trophy.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Grading Jadon Sancho’s season at Chelsea
There were definitely a lot of sceptics when Sancho joined Chelsea last summer on loan from Manchester United, but we think he’s justified making the switch to Stamford Bridge.
Appearances Goals Assists
41 5 10
Jadon Sancho for Chelsea across all competitions in the 2024/25 season
Jadon Sancho grade this season: 6.5/10
While Sancho may be frustrated that he’s been in and out of the Blues XI this year, he’s stepped up with some big moments along the way. In particular, his stunning goal in a European final was a real highlight.
The skilful winger has definitely added something to the Blues squad this year as great competition for the likes of Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto in wide areas.
Sancho has been ‘very happy’ at Chelsea during the season after getting his Premier League career back on track. If he re-signs for the Blues this summer, we suspect he would be welcomed back by supporters with open arms.