Chelsea’s Cole Palmer stole the headlines in the Europa Conference League final, but one man’s performance has gone under the radar.
After finishing the Premier League season on a high, Chelsea were determined to become the first club in history to win all three major European trophies by beating Real Betis in the Conference League final.
The Blues ran out 4-1 victors after falling behind inside the first ten minutes of the game, with Cole Palmer instrumental to Chelsea’s triumph.
Palmer produced some magic to grab two assists in the space of five minutes, completely turning the tie on its head, leaving Chelsea in the lead late in the game.
Palmer’s contribution was to the delight of Chelsea, but most definitely Maresca, who has faced criticism this season.
However, one player’s exceptional contribution hasn’t been spoken about enough.
Enzo Fernandez bossed the Conference League final
Real Betis Balompie v Chelsea FC - UEFA Conference League Final 2025
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been one of the first names on Maresca’s team sheet all season, with the Argentine racking up 46 appearances in all competitions.
Fernandez dictated the tempo and did both sides of the game, as he always does, arguably having the biggest impact in the match.
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He grabbed Chelsea’s first goal of the evening, with a perfectly placed header off a wonderful cross from Palmer, dragging his side back into the tie.
Enzo Fernandez against Real Betis Statistics
Touches 61
Goals 1
Assists 1
Ground duels won 80%
Successful dribbles 2/3
After Jadon Sancho scored Chelsea’s third, Fernandez helped put the icing on the cake as he assisted his side’s fourth and final goal to clinch the trophy.
Fernandez proves finally repays £106m fee
Enzo Fernandez joined the Blues in 2023 for £106m from Portuguese side Benfica, with the price tag heaping pressure on the midfielder to perform.
Enzo Fernandez for Argentina 2022
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/Defodi Images via Getty Images
There was a lot of hype around Fernandez’s arrival at Stamford Bridge that year, due to his stand-out performance in his country’s World Cup-winning team.
Premier League pundits have criticised Fernandez in the past, but now the midfield maestro is proving his doubters wrong one game at a time.
Fernandez will be looking to continue this season’s success at Chelsea next year, with the club now competing in the Champions League again.
He and his side are carrying dangerous momentum, and will be a team to look out for in the 25/26 season.