Mark Bosnich believes that Chelsea is on the path to reclaiming its former successes after the club made history by winning the UEFA Conference League, dominating Real Betis 4-1 in the final in Wrocław. This victory not only marks Chelsea’s first trophy since the end of the Roman Abramovich era in 2022 but also somewhat vindicates the significant financial investment made by the new American ownership.
Chelsea, featuring a notably young squad averaging 24 years, showcased their depth, particularly in the second half. Young star Cole Palmer excelled, providing two exquisite assists that led to goals from Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson, with contributions from Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo sealing the impressive win. This triumph means Chelsea has now collected all five of UEFA’s major club trophies.
Bosnich, who had a stint with Chelsea from 2001 to 2003, expressed optimism for the team’s future, highlighting the challenges ahead in the Champions League and the potential to compete for the Premier League title in the coming seasons. Similarly, captain Reece James emphasised the importance of the win, stating it was crucial for the team as they aim for success in Europe.
Chelsea’s resurgence includes their qualification for the Champions League next season due to their fourth-place finish in the Premier League, illustrating their return to elite competition. Meanwhile, manager Enzo Maresca noted that the team struggled in the first half but improved significantly, showcasing resilience and talent.
The match underscored a remarkable streak of success for Spanish teams in European finals, which Chelsea broke, marking a pivotal moment in the club’s history as they triumphantly lifted the trophy amid significant fanfare.
Despite some unrest at the match location leading to arrests, Chelsea’s on-field performance and the emergence of young talent like Palmer signal a bright future. With this victory, the club has rejuvenated hopes of returning to the upper echelons of English and European football, ready to challenge for major honours in the near future.