Chelsea signed off for the 2024/25 season in style by lifting the Conference League trophy.
The Blues thrashed Real Betis 4-1 on Wednesday night in the final of the Conference League in Wroclaw, Poland.
It means that Enzo Maresca can celebrate his first season as the Chelsea manager after securing a top-four finish in the Premier League and winning a piece of European silverware.
There are certainly a lot of positive aspects to reflect on for Maresca after watching his side’s comeback victory against Betis. Incidentally, Chelsea have secured Conference League prize money of just under £18m for winning the competition.
Here are five things we learned from Chelsea’s win against Betis…
Photo by Jakub Porzycki/Anadolu via Getty Images
Photo by Jakub Porzycki/Anadolu via Getty Images
Cole Palmer turns up for the big occasion
Yet again, Cole Palmer underlined why he’s approaching superstar status with a mega performance in a cup final.
The Blues were trailing Betis at half time after a slow start, but the contest completely changed in the second period. Palmer provided two world-class assists to put his side 2-1 ahead as they seized complete control.
Unsurprisingly, Spanish media raved about Palmer after the Chelsea attacking midfielder took the game away from Betis with his supreme creativity.
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At the age of 23, Palmer has scored in a European Championship final, Community Shield final and a Super Cup final. He’s just followed that up with a mesmerising display in the Conference League final, supplying two marvellous assists.
The England playmaker reminded everyone, especially people that have doubted him recently, that he’s a talented individual capable of special things.
Jadon Sancho proving he’s worth £25m
The performance of Blues winger Jadon Sancho, 25, off the bench against Betis proved he could be good value for money this summer at £25m.
He channelled the disappointment of not starting the Conference League final to make a superb impact as a substitute, scoring a stunning goal with a shot into the top corner to make it 3-1.
The debate regarding his future was interesting before the cup final. Now he’s delivered in such a big moment, perhaps he’s managed to sway anyone who was on the fence about him.
Sancho arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer from Manchester United on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for around £25m. Chelsea can opt out of buying Sancho if they pay a £5m penalty fee, though.
For £25m, Sancho to Chelsea now feels like a bit of a no-brainer because he’s integrated well into the group and could kick on again next season.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Reece James is growing as a captain
Reece James didn’t start against Betis because Chelsea continue to carefully manage his minutes in 2025, but he was introduced as a half-time substitute because his team desperately needed him.
In terms of his football ability, everyone knows just how special he is. The 25-year-old right-back helped turned the tide against Betis with his sheer presence on and off the ball.
We think it’s his captaincy and leadership that is really starting to shine through, too.
It’s been noticeable in recent games, including against Betis, that James is vocal with his teammates on the pitch to motivate them. The fact he’s been able to drive this group forward during the business end of the campaign is a real testament to his character and influence.
Back in March, Maresca flagged Chelsea defender James growing as a leader. We’re definitely seeing him emerge as the talisman for this young group of players.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall should ask to leave
Even though Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 26, didn’t start the Conference League final, he deserves as much credit as anyone in the Chelsea squad for the club’s European run this season because he’s been an integral figure.
The box-to-box midfielder has been a talisman for the Blues in the Conference League campaign, which is why it must have felt like a real body blow when he was left out of the starting line-up against Betis.
He made a positive impact off the bench, assisting Sancho’s goal, but many will argue he deserved to start the cup final.
Appearances Goals Assists
15 4 3
Chelsea’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the 2024/25 Conference League (including qualifiers)
We think it’s time for Dewsbury-Hall to request to leave Chelsea this summer because becoming a regular starter looks impossible for him. He’s definitely got the individual ability to shine for a Premier League rival, though.
The Blues paid £30m (BBC) to sign Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City last summer, and we would like to think they can at least make their money back from his sale.
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Nicolas Jackson is still hit and miss
Nicolas Jackson just demonstrated both the good and the bad in his game during a single match
The centre-forward returned to Chelsea’s starting XI against Betis and grabbed his 13th goal of the season across all competitions. Like always, the 23-year-old frontman worked tirelessly and asked questions of the opposition defence, particularly in the second half.
However, he still has moments in games that leave supporters pulling their hair out. For instance, he completely fluffed a chance to score on the counter-attack with a terrible big touch when dribbling.
Minutes played Goals Shots on target Chances created Accurate passes Touches in opposition box Big chances missed Offsides Match rating
80 1 2/2 (100%) 0 12/16 (75%) 3 2 1 8.1
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson vs Real Betis via FOTMOB
Chelsea are prioritising a new striker in the summer transfer window. Without a doubt, the extra competition in the No 9 position would be a good thing for the club next season.
From Jackson’s perspective, he needs to keep on developing and becoming more decisive to continue as the first-choice striker.