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JUST IN: Chelsea Humble In Form Real Betis To Win 2025 UEFA Conference League Trophy, As Palmer Masterclass Inspires Chelsea Comeback#UECLFinal—-Chelsea fight back to humble Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final in Wroclaw on Wednesday, becoming the first club to claim all four major European trophies.

Manuel Pellegrini’s enterprising Betis caught the favourites cold in Poland through an early goal from Abde Ezzalzouli but Enzo Maresca’s team were a changed side in the second half.

Two goals in five minutes changed the complexion of the game, with man-of-the-match Cole Palmer creating both openings for Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson.

Substitute Jadon Sancho made the game safe in the 83rd minute, finishing from an tight angle and Moises Caicedo added gloss to the scoreline.

It means Chelsea become the first club to win the full set of Champions League, Europa League, Conference League and the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup.

It is also the first silverware for the club since Todd Boehly’s consortium took over from former owner Roman Abramovich in 2022, following an era of unprecedented success for the club.

After a bright start from both sides, Betis broke the deadlock in the ninth minute through Ezzalzouli, who scored the goal against Fiorentina that took his side to the final.

Malo Gusto lost the ball in midfield and Betis surged forward. Captain Isco produced a clever pass to find Ezzalzouli on the edge of the box and the Moroccan drilled a left-footed shot across Filip Jorgensen.

Minutes later Marc Bartra tried his luck from distance as Betis pressed for a second, but this time Jorgensen was equal to the task, producing a flying save.

Urged on by their massed ranks of fans at Wroclaw stadium, Betis went close again when Johnny Cardoso’s shot from inside the box was deflected behind by Benoit Badiashile, with Chelsea clinging on.

The Premier League side were enjoying the bulk of possession but struggling to create meaningful chances, with Betis defending well and Isco, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, pulling the strings.

As half-time approached Betis goalkeeper Adrian raced off his line to deny Enzo Fernandez but Chelsea went in at half-time goalless.

Palmer magic

Maresca brought on Chelsea captain Reece James for the struggling Gusto at the break.

The Betis boss was forced a change when goalscorer Ezzalzouli was forced off, with Jesus Rodriguez coming on to replace him.

Chelsea were level in the 65th minute following a fine move down the right after Cole Palmer produced a fine cross to pick out Fernandez.

The midfielder got between two defenders to head the ball down and past Adrian.

Suddenly Chelsea’s tails were up and the fans behind the goal were in full voice.

In the 70th minute Palmer produced some magic on the edge of the box before producing a delightful cross which hit Jackson’s chest and went in.

Jackson should have scored a second goal but a heavy touch allowed Adrian to gather.

But Sancho made it 3-1 when he combined with fellow substitute Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Caicedo added a fourth.

Victory for Chelsea breaks an astonishing cycle of wins for Spanish teams.

Taking into account World Cups, European Championships, Champions League and the UEFA Cup/Europa League, of the previous 27 men’s finals involving Spanish teams, all 27 had had Spanish winners.

Four Spanish club sides had been defeated in that time, but in all cases by fellow La Liga sides.

Earlier, the centre of Wroclaw was packed with fans from both clubs, with green-and-white clad Betis fans outnumbering their English rivals.

Poland’s interior minister said police made 28 arrests after supporters clashed in the city’s market square.

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BREAKING: Ex-Chelsea Captain César Azpilicueta Announces Retirement From Football

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Azpilicueta Announces Retirement From Football

BREAKING: Ex-Chelsea Captain César Azpilicueta Announces Retirement From Football—-Spanish defender brings curtain down on trophy-laden career after spells with Chelsea, Atlético Madrid and Sevilla.

Former Chelsea FC captain César Azpilicueta has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.

The Spanish defender confirmed that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades.

He shared this news via his social media handles.

Azpilicueta enjoyed his most successful years at Chelsea after joining the club from Marseille in 2012. During his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge, he made more than 500 appearances and became the first player in the club’s history to win every major trophy available.

As Chelsea captain, Azpilicueta famously lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel, adding to Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs during his time in London.

Following his departure from Chelsea in 2023, the veteran defender spent two seasons with Atlético Madrid before joining Sevilla FC for the final chapter of his career.

Azpilicueta also represented Spain at international level, earning 44 senior caps and featuring in multiple FIFA World Cups and European Championships.

In an emotional farewell message, the defender admitted it was difficult to make the decision but thanked supporters, teammates, coaches and clubs who shaped his journey in football.

Tributes have since poured in from fans and former teammates, with many describing Azpilicueta as one of Chelsea’s greatest modern-day captains and one of the most respected defenders of his generation.

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BREAKING: Shock Omissions as Palmer and Alexander-Arnold Miss England World Cup Selection

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Palmer and Alexander-Arnold Miss England World Cup Selection

BREAKING: Shock Omissions as Palmer and Alexander-Arnold Miss England World Cup Selection—-Ex-Chelsea Manager Thomas Tuchel makes bold selection calls ahead of tournament in North America.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has made several major selection decisions after leaving Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the Three Lions’ final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The omissions have quickly sparked debate among fans and pundits, with both players considered among England’s biggest talents in recent years.

According to reports, Tuchel opted for balance, tactical flexibility, and current form when finalising his 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Palmer’s exclusion comes despite the Chelsea star’s strong performances over the last two seasons, while Alexander-Arnold reportedly missed out due to tactical preferences and competition in defensive areas.

The squad announcement also saw several surprise inclusions, including Ivan Toney and Djed Spence, while experienced names such as Jordan Henderson earned recalls.

Other notable absentees include Harry Maguire and Phil Foden as Tuchel reshapes the squad ahead of England’s World Cup campaign.

England will head into the tournament hoping to end decades of hurt and finally lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1966.

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