Chelsea produced a remarkable second-half comeback to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the final of the UEFA Conference League to become the first club to win every major European trophy.
In a proverbial game of two halves, the Spanish club dominated proceedings in the first half and went into the break with a deserved lead.
However, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca brought out the big guns in the second half, and they made the difference as Chelsea scored four goals to complete the comeback.
The turnaround began with a quick equaliser early in the second half, which shifted momentum in Chelsea’s favour. From there, the Premier League side took control, with their high pressing and swift attacking movements putting Real Betis on the back foot. Maresca’s tactical adjustments proved to be crucial, as every substitution made a significant impact.
One of the most impressive players on the night was Jadon Sancho as he came off the bench and made a real impact by scoring the Blues’ third goal.
Sancho has endured a mixed season for the club, and his future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain, but he provided Chelsea fans a timely reminder of his capabilities on Wednesday night in the final.
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His pace, creativity, and finishing were on full display, and he appeared to thrive under the high-stakes atmosphere. Many fans and pundits have now called for Chelsea to give the winger more opportunities next season.
And his performance did not go unnoticed as Real Betis defender Marc Bartra singled him out for praise after the game.
What Bartra said about Sancho after the Conference League final
Speaking after the game, Marca quoted Bartra as saying, “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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