Chelsea will compete against Real Betis in the Conference League final in Wroclaw, Poland, on May 28, following a convincing 5-1 aggregate victory over Djurgarden in the semi-finals. A 1-0 win in the second leg at Stamford Bridge secured their passage.
Despite making ten changes from the lineup that defeated Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday, and handing a first senior start to 16-year-old Reggie Walsh, Enzo Maresca’s side comfortably managed the tie. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the solitary goal of the evening in the 38th minute, finding the bottom corner from just inside the box after being set up by Tyrique George.
The result ensures Chelsea will contest their eighth European final, their first since defeating Manchester City to win the Champions League in 2021. For manager Maresca, the final offers a chance to secure his first silverware with the club and Chelsea’s first trophy in the post-Roman Abramovich era.
Having established a commanding 4-1 lead in the first leg in Sweden, Chelsea approached the return fixture with a significant advantage. Maresca was reportedly keen to avoid a complacent performance, referencing a previous 2-1 second-leg defeat to Legia Warsaw in the quarter-finals despite a strong first-leg showing. Djurgarden, who had overturned a first-leg deficit against Rapid Vienna to reach the semi-finals, were unable to replicate such a comeback.
Though their travelling supporters remained vocal throughout, the Swedish side’s hopes were effectively diminished by Dewsbury-Hall’s fourth goal of the European campaign. Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen was called upon in the second half, notably saving a Miro Tenho header (later flagged offside) and a firm shot from Daniel Stensson.
Walsh, the youngest player to appear for Chelsea since 1967, delivered an impressive performance in midfield on his full debut. Seventeen-year-olds Shim Mheuka and Genesis Antwi were also introduced as substitutes in the second half.
Before the Conference League final, Chelsea face a critical Premier League fixture against Newcastle United on Sunday, May 11. Key players such as Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, and Nicolas Jackson, who were rested against Djurgarden, are expected to return as the Blues aim to secure a Champions League qualification spot.
Real Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, secured their place in the final by overcoming Fiorentina 4-3 on aggregate after extra time in their semi-final encounter.
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