The new era of Chelsea has finally taken off. Just 4 days after ensuring their return to the Champions League, The Blues lifted their first trophy under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. They won the UEFA Conference League with a 4-1 victory over Real Betis.
This is a tournament that The Blues were expected to win from the start. Especially, given the large gap in resources between Chelsea and the other teams.
Betis is certainly the toughest opponent Chelsea have to face. And in the early stages of the final, it seemed like a challenge that would confuse them. Abde Ezzalzouli helped the La Liga team take the lead in the 9th minute after a quick start by Betis.
If there is anyone who can help Chelsea reborn in a moment, it must be Cole Palmer. The Englishman was a shining light for Enzo Maresca until he fading recently.
However, Palmer has shined on the European stage. His two great assists in five minutes turned the game around. First, a stunning pass helped Enzo Fernandez get a header that he could not miss. Then, a great turn and cross from Palmer created an opportunity for Nicolas Jackson to score.
substitute Jadon Sancho scored the third goal late in the match with a beautiful shot from his right foot. Moises Caicedo sealed the overall victory for The Blues.
"I was bored when I had to receive the ball and backed back and surrounded, I thought that when I received the ball next time, I would continue. The first table, there was a little space and I saw Enzo ran to so I passed.
Of course, Boehly and Clearlake have not spent more than £1 billion since taking over in May 2022 to win the European Third Division. Their participation in the Conference League alone has reflected the disastrous mistakes up to this point.
Chelsea became the first team in history to win all four club-level titles organized by UEFA. They have previously won the Champions League, Europa League and Super Cup.
In 2022, Chelsea won the FIFA Club World Cup to complete the collection that existed at that time. This is also the last of Roman Abramovich's 21 titles before he was forced to sell the club.
Under Abramovich, they are consecutive winners. Somehow, The Blues have challenged the practice of stability as the foundation for sustainable success to continue to bring home the title almost every year.
It is unimaginable how much has changed at all levels for Chelsea over the past 3 years: the personnel and squad are almost completely new with huge investment costs.
Chelsea's plans have been questioned in a way that can only be answered with a title.
"Hopefully this could be the starting point. To build a winning spirit, you need to win games, you need to win tournaments. The trophy we won tonight will definitely help us play better.
But I am also very proud of the path and journey we have gone through in the Premier League. For me, it is the most difficult tournament in the world. You have to be persistent in 38 games and my players have shown that," Maresca said.
Palmer's influence on Chelsea is very profound, a creative bridge connecting everything together. He has only scored one goal in his last 23 official matches and that was a penalty. However, Palmer became lively on the big stage when Betis caused many difficulties.
If we argue that Chelsea should win this tournament because they have a much better squad, the final match has basically proven that.
In fact, Chelsea were too slow, too passive and lacked inspiration despite dominating. However, Maresca's controlling trend has provided a foundation for one of the players who could change the game. That was Palmer.
Maresca spent a long time talking to the 23-year-old when the final whistle blew. He hugged Palmer as everyone around him started celebrating.
The Blues will now participate in the FIFA Club World Cup with a trophy in hand and an upcoming Champions League campaign. The feeling of motivation is increasing.
