Europa Conference League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Betis 1 Chelsea 4: Cole Palmer masterclass sees Blues come from behind to win Conference League final

      by

      ENZO MARESCA emerged triumphant from football’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.Chelsea’s boss will enjoy winning the Conference League, his first trophy at the end of his first season in charge and making history.Chelsea have won the Conference LeagueCredit: GettyAbde Ezzalzouli scored the opening goal for Betis within 10 minutesCredit: GettyEnzo Fernandez headed home the equaliser from close rangeCredit: ReutersBut he now wants nothing to do with this tinpot competition ever again as he sets his and the club’s sights on much loftier ambitions in the Champions League next season.It’s a notable achievement to become the first club to win all four existing European competitions as Chelsea have now done.Maresca also believes that however minor this third-tier tournament is, he hopes it will ignite the fires for long term success within his youthful squad.But in five years’ time it’s highly unlikely many people will remember the heady night in Poland when the youngest squad in the Premier League this season came of age by coming from behind to see off Real Betis.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe trophy itself will easily masquerade as a waste-paper bin in the manager’s office and time will move on for a club convinced it is on the way back to greatness as it should be after more than £1billion of investment in the squad.Yet it almost wasn’t so. Maresca had to make drastic changes to his team and to the mentality in order to get over the line.His young team was a bag of nerves in the first half and as such went behind inside ten minutes to a team comprised of veterans and cast offs, managed by a bloke exactly the same age as Maresca’s dad.They were run ragged by the sublime skills of Isco, a former Real Madrid great who showed Chelsea what it is to stay cool and calm on a big night.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThey shot themselves in the foot with nervy, slack passing as they struggled to get to grips with the occasion and could have been more than the one goal down they were at half time.But when you play with kids you can win things and they learn quickly.Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference finalNicolas Jackson scored the second for ChelseaCredit: APJadon Sancho fired the third into the top-right cornerCredit: GettyMaresca pulled the plug on right back Malo Gusto at half time, the architect of destruction for the first goal and it brought certainty and surety. He surgically removed Benoit Badiashile and Pedro Neto and Chelsea grew into the game.To the extent that Cole Palmer, who had been taught a lesson in dribbling and poise by the elder statesman of Isco suddenly sprang to life with vigour and confidence instead of being an interested spectator.Two goals in five minutes, the 65th and 70th, saw Chelsea come roaring back and both were teed up by Palmer from the right hand side.The first was a delicately floated cross that found the head of midfielder Enzo Fernandez who nipped in ahead of defender Marc Bartra and glanced the ball into the back of the net.The Argentinian World Cup winner has been at this club for more than two years and is part of the furniture now. Despite scoring he knew the nerves had been there for all to see and immediately called for calm among the delirious celebrations.But he needn’t have worried because Palmer, who had mustered the only shot on target for Chelsea in a dreadful first half, was in full flow now.A roll of a defender on the edge of the box and he dashed in a cross for Nicolas Jackson to divert the ball past ex-West Ham and Liverpool keeper Adrian.It was a sweet moment for the striker who was drafted back in to the team to redeem himself after getting sent off in a crucial Premier League match at Newcastle earlier this month.He’ll tell you he headed it but it came off his left breast but it counted and from then on it was Betis trying to stem the tide of a rampant Chelsea side suddenly believing in themselves.Sub Jadon Sancho came on to make it 3-1 with seven to go before Moises Caicedo added a fourth for good measure on the stroke of 90.Chelsea have now officially won it, or bought it all depending on your viewpoint. But their squad is priced at around £750 million, more than five times that of their opponents here.Next season instead of Betis it will be Barcelona or Bayern Munich at the other end of the pitch which means it will be considerably harderNot that they didn’t struggle when faced with the first decent team to confront them the entire time. It shows there is still a lot to do.Read More on The SunBut goodbye to Shamrock Rovers, Noah of Armenia and Astana of Kazakhstan, the 15 game, 9,800 mile odyssey to win a competition Chelsea never wanted to be in in the first place has come to a successful conclusion.Oh and good riddance.Reece James lifted the trophyCredit: GettyThe players will be celebrating long into the nightCredit: AFPChelsea have become the first team to win every European trophyCredit: GettyIt was heartbreak for Real BetisCredit: EPAMoises Caicedo sealed the win in added timeCredit: AP More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Malo Gusto hauled off at HALF TIME of Conference League final after ‘generational disasterclass’

      by

      CHELSEA star Malo Gusto was hooked at half-time following a horror performance in tonight’s Conference League final.The Frenchman, 22, had been selected ahead of Reece James for the clash with Real Betis.Malo Gusto endured a difficult evening in PolandCredit: APGusto was guilty of giving the ball away in the build-up to Abde Ezzalzouli’s ninth minute opener.The former Lyon ace then failed to atone for his error, with Ezzalzouli running him ragged.Travelling Chelsea supporters sang James’ name ahead of half-time.And they were granted their wish after the interval, with boss Enzo Maresca turning to his skipper.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSSupporters watching on at home were also relieved to see Gusto hooked.One wrote on X: “This is a generational disasterclass from Malo Gusto, my eyes are literally hurting, Enzo Maresca this is 100% on you especially when Reece James has been on insane form. Ridiculous.”While a second huffed: “Sell him this summer.”And another added: “That’s why you don’t play Malo Gusto over your captain.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAhead of the final, Gusto admitted that he has endured a difficult season.The France Under-21 international told L’Equipe: “There is competition, you can’t hide behind that. But on my season… there were events that meant that I played a lot and then less. Fuming Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca delivers two-word X-rated response to critics in fiery press conference”Those are the risks of playing at a big club. The objective is now to remain well established. I have confidence in myself.”I haven’t always shown it, and I haven’t always had the attitude to reflect that. You have to first convince yourself before convincing others.””Doubts? Never. I know that, if I am here, it is because I deserve to be. You have to make steps to be even better.”In the first season, everything was beautiful and rosy, everything went well.”This year has been a lot more difficult, especially from a personal point of view, for different reasons.”It has allowed me to learn, especially to understand what my priorities should be. I am very far away from where I should be. It is my responsibility.”Read More on The SunJames’ introduction helped Chelsea turn the contest around.Goals by Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo saw the Blues run out 4-1 winners to lift the Conference League. More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Will Mykhailo Mudryk receive a medal if Chelsea win the Conference League final?

      by

      MYKHAILO MUDRYK is Chelsea’s forgotten man heading into the Uefa Conference League final. The Ukrainian was banned from playing in December after failing a provisional drugs test. Mykhaylo Mudryk is in Wroclaw ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Real BetisCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old is currently banned from playing but featured in Conference League games earlier this seasonCredit: GettyMudryk turned up in Chelsea kit unannounced in Poland, stunning fans and his manager Enzo MarescaMudryk played five times in the competition during the early stages of the season. The 24-year-old scored three goals and notched four assists in those games.But he has not featured for Chelsea since netting in a 2-0 win against Heidenheim on November 28.The Blues take on Real Betis tonight in Wroclaw for the trophy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Mudryk was a surprise arrival in the city on Tuesday ahead of the big clash. Will Mykhailo Mudryk receive a medal if Chelsea win the Conference League final?Under Uefa rules, every player who has featured in Chelsea’s Conference League games is eligible for a medal.As such, Mudryk WILL be awarded either a winner’s or runners-up gong after tonight’s match. CHELSEA VS REAL BETIS – CONFERENCE LEAGUE FINAL LIVEBETTING TIPS AND FREE BETS FOR THE FINALIt is not known whether he will be on the field with his Chelsea teammates to receive his prize. Most read in FootballThe club could opt to give Mudryk his medal privately. Fuming Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca delivers two-word X-rated response to critics in fiery press conferenceWhy was Mudryk banned from playing?The Chelsea forward tested positive for the banned substance Meldonium in early December. Mudryk has insisted he never knowingly used any banned substances.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe has been unable to train with the squad while suspended. The ban remains provisional but if found guilty, Mudryk could face a lengthy period on the sidelines.He stunned even his manager Enzo Maresca by turning up in Wroclaw earlier this week.CHELSEA RATINGS: Colwill gets perfect revenge on Forest but Sancho performance won’t convince Blues to splash out £25mCHELSEA sealed Champions League football with a 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest.The Blues have been absent from Europe’s elite competition for two years but finally, the billion-pound boys will be back next season.It was unlikely source Levi Colwill with the goal to give Chelsea a boost of confidence ahead of flying to Poland for Wednesday’s Conference League final against Real Betis.Find out how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the performances here…Dressed in Chelsea attire, £88million Mudryk rubbed shoulders with fans at a steak restaurant in the Polish city. Asked about the moment, which went viral, Maresca said: To be honest, I don’t know he is here or is coming? “He is here? I don’t know. I am happy for Mischa to be here.”Read More on The SunMudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023.He penned an eight-and-a-half-year deal with the club, which runs until 2031. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea vs Real Betis LIVE RESULT: Conference League final updates as Blues WIN to make Euro history – updates

      by

      CHELSEA have WON the Conference League after fighting back to stun Real Betis 4-1.The big victory in Poland means the Blues have now made history by becoming the first club to win ALL four of the major Uefa club competitions that have existed.After going a goal down inside the first nine minutes, Enzo Fernandez levelled the final up with a header from a stunning Cole Palmer cross before Palmer then set up Nicolas Jackson with another amazing pass to fire the Blues into the lead.Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo then struck to put the icing on the cake for Enzo Maresca’s Blues.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…CHELSEA CHAMPIONSHistory makers!Chelsea are the only club to have won all three major European trophies – The Champions League, the Europa League and the Conference League.Copy linkCopiedCruising ChelseaMaresca and Chelsea definitely slowly getting back up there after a few disappointing seasons for Chelsea fans. However, the bad times haven’t lasted long for Chelsea as they seem to be getting back on their perch with a European trophy and Champions League finish in the league. Copy linkCopiedMore match reaction from Enzo”In the first half, we approached the game in the wrong way, I expected the game in the wrong way. “I expected it a little bit because for two days the happiness was a little bit too much after Nottingham Forest. “You go all season waiting, waiting.”We struggled a little bit with that, but the second half was much better.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedReece James post match reaction”It’s a great feeling. “As the game went on we grew into and thankfully we scored four goals in the second half. “Coming into it, this competition was something we had to win.”Next season we go again in the Champions League.”Copy linkCopiedColwill post match reaction”It has been amazing. “We have achieved everything we wanted to do, it feels amazing winning my first European competition with Chelsea, hopefully many more to go. “And getting Champions League next season, I don’t think you can get any better than that.”Copy linkCopiedEnzo reaction post game.”I’m very proud, I’m very happy”But also because I know the fans deserve that, they have waited two three years for that. “The clubs invests a lot of money so they were waiting for that. “It’s a good starting point.”Copy linkCopiedEcstatic EnzoWhat a first season that has proved to be for the Italian manager. A top four finish and a trophy – I think all Chelsea fans would have absolutely taken that at the start of the season. Copy linkCopiedInspired performances Copy linkCopiedCHELSEA CELEBRATIONSCredit: AFPCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedNO MUDRYK CelebrationsMudryk is not looking to be in the celebrations for Chelsea even though he’s in the stadium. The Chelsea forward tested positive for the banned substance Meldonium in early December.Mudryk has insisted he never knowingly used any banned substances.He has been unable to train with the squad while suspended.The ban remains provisional but if found guilty, Mudryk could face a lengthy period on the sidelines.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHeartbreak for AntonyAfter a revived season for Antony at Betis with him being on loan from Man Utd, he just couldn’t get going tonight. It looked like the Man Utd Antony was out there playing again tonight. Credit: Shutterstock EditorialCopy linkCopiedView from the Stadion WroclawFrom SunSport’s Lloyd CanfieldMunich 2012, Amsterdam 2013, Baku 2019, Porto 2021, Wroclaw 2025 – Chelsea are European champions again.It might not carry all the glory of those who came before, but this trophy is special in it’s own right, and the way in which they’ve done it has made it all the more special for the fans who travelled to Poland to witness it.The Blues are now the first team to complete the set of European trophies, and you sense the idea that the party here is going to go on deep into the night. A Cole Palmer masterclass, a goal each for their £100m midfielders, a Nicolas Jackson special and well, if that’s goodbye, Jadon Sancho, you’ve departed with one hell of a gift. Congratulations, Chelsea!Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME STATSCopy linkCopied’COLD’ Cole PalmerWhat a hell of a performance that was by Palmer in that second half. Chelsea needed their man to step up and he definitely did that with two magical assists. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHISTORY MAKERS!Chelsea are the only club to have won all three major European trophies – The Champions League, the Europa League and the Conference League. Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME – CHELSEA WIN CONFERENCE LEAGUE FINAL!What an absolute incredible turn around that was from the blues in that second half. Whatever Maresca said in that dressing room at half time, it clearly worked and his subs had a huge impact. Cole Palmer definitely with a man of the match performance as his two assists are what turned the game around. Betis started off by far the better team in the first half as they were the one’s applying the pressure and having all the chances.Ezzalzouli opened the scoring with a tidy finish but then in the second half an inspired performance from Palmer helped ignite the Chelsea comeback. Betis clearly lost all their energy from that first half and were made to pay emphatically from that Chelsea onslaught in that second half.History made from Chelsea as they are the only club to have won every major European Trophy!Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-1 Real Betis90+1. WOW WHAT A SECOND HALF FROM CHELSEA AND THAT’S A FOURTH!Cucurella initially wins the ball back for Chelsea before Enzo comes away with it and plays it back to Caicedo who smashes it into that bottom left corner. Another great finish. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 3-1 Real Betis87. Sub for Chelsea – Marc Gulu comes on for Cole Palmer who is the main reason for this turnaround. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 3-1 Real Betis85. Very good defending from James as Isco see’s the run of Rodriguez in behind James and finds him with a lovely chipped ball but James does a great job at fending off Rodriguez.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 3-1 Real Betis83. GOAL FROM SANCHO!!!That’s game over!The scenes are wild from the Chelsea players and fans!Great from the super sub Drewsbury-Hall who just comes on and sends Cardoso the wrong way.He plays it to Sancho who cuts in and finishes it beautifully into that top right corner. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 2-1 Real Betis80. Sub for Chelsea! Jackson suffered an injury in that counter attack, Drewsbury hall comes on.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 2-1 Real Betis78. Huge chance for Jackson!Chelsea surge forward with a counter from a Real Betis corner. Jackson wins it and is away bearing down on goal and it looks like he has a simple one on one or could have just laid it off to Sancho for an open net. One of his touches is way too heavy and it falls into Adrian’s hands. He is terrible.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 2-1 Real Betis75. Just like Chelsea in the first half, Betis have not been able to get going at all this half and replicate what they did in the first half. It’s like the two teams performances have completely switched over. Betis looking very leggy in this half. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 2-1 Real Betis70. WOW WHAT A QUICK TURN AROUND FROM THE BLUES!!!!Another assist for Palmer as he does some incredible work on the wing absolutely turning Jesus Rodriguez inside out before whipping in a ball on an absolute plate for Jackson and he could not miss!The subs have definitely had a massive impact.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 1-1 Real Betis68. Chelsea clearly have the momentum now. The ball comes out to Sancho on the left who lays it to Palmer. His first timed shot falls right into Adrian’s gloves. Copy linkCopied More

    • 100 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Conference League final referee Irfan Peljto?

      by

      IRFAN Peljto is an elite football referee who was the very first Bosnian referee to officiate a UEFA game. He will be officiating at the Uefa Conference League final on May 28, 2025, despite being hit with a ban earlier in the season.Irfan Peljto is an accomplished football refereeCredit: GettyThe star faced a ban after making a series of mistakes during a matchCredit: ReutersBreaking a recordBorn on July 18, 1984, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Irfan first began officiating in the Bosnian Premier League. He has been on the FIFA list since 2015 and is categorised as a UEFA elite referee. The star has broken an incredible football record too. He is the first Bosnian referee to oversee a UEFA Champions League group stage or knockout phase match – having officiated a match between Beşiktaş and Ajax in 2021.Read More on footballIrfan’s shocking banHowever, Irfan has proven to be controversial – having been banned from six games this season. His ban came after he made three major mistakes during Borac Banja’s 1-1 derby draw with Zrinjski Mostar.Irfan failed to award penalties on two separate occasions during the match, which led the Bosnian FA to release a damning statement. The statement read: “In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac.Most read in Football”In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team. “In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too.”Refereeing the UEFA Conference League final Irfan Peljto will be acting as the referee at the 2025 UEFA Conference League final.  ‘I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smokeChelsea will be taking on the Spanish side Real Betis in Wroclaw, Poland, on 28 May 2025.  Ahead of the game, Irfan said: “We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It’s an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment.”I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.”Chelsea have previously won two Champions League titles, two Europa Leagues and two European Cup Winners’ Cups – meaning that this is the club’s final European honour to win. Fans can watch the game live when it airs at 8pm on TNT Sports.Irfan revealed that it was ‘very emotional’ to be selected as the UEFA Conference Final refereeCredit: Getty Images More

    • 88 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      How many European trophies have Chelsea won?

      by

      CHELSEA have beaten Real Betis in the Conference League final – and in doing so created European football history!The West Londoners defeated the La Liga side 4-1 after Cole Palmer inspired a second-half fightback.Chelsea won the Champions League for the second time in 2021Credit: GettyWhat European trophies have Chelsea won?Chelsea have won nine European titles – making them the second most successful English team.And now the Blues have added the newly-formed Conference League trophy to their cabinet – it means they have become the first team to have won ALL of Europe’s majors in their history.CHELSEA VS REAL BETIS LIVE – LATEST REACTIONChelsea won Europe’s elite competition, the Champions League, twice – in 2012 and in 2021.And the Blues won their second Europa League in 2019Credit: GettyThey also won the Europa League twice – in 2013 and 2019.The now defunct Cup Winners’ Cup was won in 1971 and 1998.And the UEFA Super Cup in 1998 and 2021.Only Liverpool have won more European titles for an English team with 13.Most read in Football More

    • 263 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Betis vs Chelsea Conference League final boost: Get Cole Palmer 2+ shots on target in 90 mins at 9/4 with Tote

      by

      CHELSEA are in Poland tonight, looking to clinch European glory by beating Betis in the Conference League final.And bookmakers Tote are marking the final with a good price boost: Cole Palmer to have 2+ shots on target in 90 minutes at 9/4 – that’s up from 11/10!Not a Tote customer? No problem! Simply sign-up today and you can claim a whopping £30 in free bets and 20 free spins! Tote Mega BoostBetis vs ChelseaWas 11/10Now 9/4Maximum £20 stake!New to Tote? If so, you can claim their amazing welcome offer AND tonight’s price boost for the Conference League final between Betis and Chelsea.Simply visit the Tote website HERE* and register a new account.Once that’s sorted, deposit and and place your first bet of at least £10 on football, horse racing or any other market on the Sportsbook at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater.Once your Qualifying Bet is settled — win or lose — you will receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 20 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza!How to claim..Tote special offerVisit the Tote website HERE*Register a brand new accountDeposit and place your first bet of at least £10 on any sport – including footballOnce your Qualifying Bet is settled you will receive a £30 in free bets and 20 free spinsTote welcome offer: Get £30 free bets and 20 free spins — claim here**New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. One welcome offer per customer. Bet a minimum of £/€10 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€10 Win + £/€10 Place) within 7 days of registration to qualify. Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€10 sports Free Bet and 20 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet slip. 7-day expiry. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea vs Real Betis LIVE SCORE: Conference League final updates as Jackson told he will START in Poland – stream FREE

      by

      THE final of the Conference League will take place TONIGHT – and it promises to be a thriller.Chelsea face Real Betis in the Wroclaw showpiece as the Blues look to make history by becoming the first club to win all four of the major Uefa club competitions that have existed.The West Londoners will be mixing it with Europe’s elite next term after securing Champions League qualification against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but Enzo Maresca will want to cap off his first season at the helm with a trophy.Betis will be playing in the Europa League one way or another after their LaLiga finish, but in-form Antony and Co would love to secure the Spaniards their first European trophy.Kick-off time: 8pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 1FREE live stream: discovery+Chelsea XI: team to follow…Real Betis XI: team to follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Real Betis predicted XICedric Bakambu is expected to lead the line as the 34-year-old looks to add to the seven goals he has scored so far this term in the Conference League.Former Tottenham star Giovani Lo Celso is a doubt, but he trained yesterday, so he could be fit enough to start, which would allow Pablo Fornals to go on the left flank.Youssouf Salby is expected to start at right-back due to the injury-stricken Hector Bellerin.Copy linkCopiedMudryk turns up in Chelsea kit to Maresca’s surpriseMykhailo Mudryk is back in a Chelsea kit again after turning up unannounced at the Conference League final.Head coach Enzo Maresca was taken by surprise when informed the troubled Ukrainian winger had popped up in Poland after months in the wilderness.Mudryk is currently suspended from playing after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium while on international duty in November.But it did not stop him making his own way to Wroclaw where he was spotted by fans wearing a club tracksuit in a steakhouse.It’s believed he told them he is here to collect a medal after the final against Real Betis.Maresca appeared caught off guard when it was put to him that the £62million wideman was in town.He said: “To be honest, I just… Is he here or is he coming? He’s here. I’m happy for Misha to be here.”I don’t know, I just said that. I’m happy for Misha to be here.”Banned Mykhailo Mudryk turns up in Chelsea kit unannounced on eve of Conference League final to shock of clubCopy linkCopiedChelsea’s stunning European final historyChelsea have reached seven Uefa finals in their history, winning six of them.The Blues’ first European triumph came in 1971 when they beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a replay of the final to win the Cup Winners’ Cup.Chelsea made it two from two in 1998 as Gianfranco Zola’s famous goal secured a 1-0 win over Stuttgart in the Cup Winners’ Cup final.The Londoners’ perfect run came to an end in 2008 when the Blues lost to Manchester United on penalties in the Champions League final.In 2012, Chelsea defied the odds and lifted their first Champions League trophy by beating Bayern Munich on spot kicks.12 months later, the Blues made it back-to-back European trophies when they defeated Benfica 2-1 in the Europa League final following their early Champions League exit.In 2019, Chelsea added a second Europa League title with an emphatic 4-1 win over London rivals Arsenal in the final.Finally, in 2021, the Blues returned to the top of European football after they beat Manchester City to be crowned Champions League winners for the second time.Copy linkCopiedChelsea predicted XINicolas Jackson is expected to slot straight back in up top after missing the last two Premier League games of the season due to suspension.That will allow Pedro Neto to play in his more natural position out wide.With Romeo Lavia ineligible, Moises Caicedo will likely play in a midfield two with Enzo Fernandez, with Reece James coming in at right-back.Maresca could opt to start the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyrique George after impressing in both legs of the semi-final.Copy linkCopiedCrazy scenesSome more scenes from the street brawl in Poland.Copy linkCopiedStreet battleViolence has broken out again on the streets of Poland between Chelsea and Real Betis fans in ugly scenes ahead of their Conference League final tonight.Supporters were seen hurling punches and kicks, launching bottles and smoke grenades near the fanzone in Wroclaw with riot police forced to defuse the violence.he ugly scenes continues after similar violence yesterday when tear gas was needed to separate the hostile fans.Betis fans are looking forward to their first ever major European final, with a red hot atmosphere in Poland boiling over into a full on brawl this afternoon.Supermarket shelves are running dry of beer and pubs are out of pint glasses as fans soak in the atmosphere ahead of the final.And six hours before kickoff tonight, the violence spilled over when fans started kicking and throwing flares into each other’s camps.Copy linkCopiedAtmosphere buildingCredit: ReutersCredit: GettyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEyes on the prizeReal Betis and Chelsea will contest tonight’s final, already knowing their European fates are sealed.The Blues will be playing Champions League football next season after they secured a top-five finish in the Premier League, while the Spaniards have already qualified for the Europa League with a 6th placed finish in LaLiga.This means the two sides are just playing for the right to win a European trophy – and the cash prize that comes with it…Uefa have revealed that the winners of this year’s Conference League will take home a staggering £5.9million.While the runners-up are set to pocket approximately £3.37m.Here is the full breakdown:Winner: £5.90mRunner-up: £3.37mSemi-finalists: £2.11mQuarter-finalists: £1.10mRound of 16: £674,135Reaching knockout round play-off: £168,533League-phase wins: £337,067League-phase draws: £112,075Copy linkCopiedEXCLUSIVE: Jackson to STARTNicolas Jackson has been told he will start for Chelsea in tonight’s Conference League Final.The striker is desperate to make amends for getting sent off at Newcastle 17 days ago.He is currently serving a three-match domestic ban and will miss the first game of the next Premier League season as a result.But Blues boss Enzo Maresca has been making his final team selection ahead of this evening’s clash with Real Betis and Jackson is in.Maresca told the media last night that Jackson is ‘in debt’ to his team mate’s over his red card.Jackson was sent off in the first half at St.James’ Park and ten man Chelsea went down 2-0 leaving their Champions League hopes on a knifedge.But they recovered in his absence to seal a top four finish with Sunday’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest.Copy linkCopiedMoment Chelsea and Real Betis fans CLASH in PolandViolence has broken out again on the streets of Poland between Chelsea and Real Betis fans in ugly scenes ahead of their Conference League final tonight.Supporters were seen hurling punches, kicking, launching bottles and smoke grenades near the fanzone in Wroclaw, with riot police forced to defuse the violence.Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference finalCopy linkCopiedRain coming down in WroclawCredit: PACredit: PACopy linkCopiedMaresca ahead of Conference League finalEnzo Maresca discussed the importance of coming home with the trophy ahead of tonight’s showpiece, he said “The message over the last 48 hours has been, ‘We did something important [qualifying for the Champions League], but if we want to confirm that we are becoming an important club again, we need to show the desire to win the game and the trophy’.“So it’s job done [in the Premier League], fantastic, and we’re happy. But tomorrow is a different game, a final, and we want to win at any cost.“Every day we have something to prove, no doubt. What we have done [qualifying for the Champions League] is done. Now we have to prove ourselves again tomorrow.“We have played many games this season in this competition, now we have just one more.“For sure, for me personally [there is something to prove], but the message to the players is exactly same. Every day is a chance to improve, and we want to compete for titles.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedReal dealAntony has enjoyed a stunning spell at Real Betis since joining the LaLiga outfit on loan from Manchester United at the end of January.The Brazilian winger has been a revelation in Spain and played an instrumental part in Betis’ run to the Conference League final. In the 25 matches Antony has featured in since his arrival from Manchester, the Spanish side have won 13, drawn eight and lost just four.The 25-year-old has scored nine goals and made five assists, including scoring in both legs of Betis’ stunning Conference League semi-final win over Fiorentina.The Spanish side want to keep Antony at the club on a permanent basis, with Man Utd reportedly wanting around £30-£35m this summer.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedReal Betis team newsFormer Arsenal star Hector Bellerin is expected to miss tonight’s final after he picked up a hamstring injury in the semi-finals second leg with Fiorentina.Marc Roca, Diego Llorente and Chimy Avila are also confirmed absentees.Former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso is a doubt due to muscle discomfort, but the Argentine did train yesterday.Youssouf Sabaly and Johnny Cardoso are available after shaking off minor knocks.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedChelsea fans making themselves heard in WroclawCredit: AFPCredit: PACredit: PACopy linkCopiedChelsea team news Chelsea are boosted by the return of striker Nicolas Jackson after he missed the last two games of the Premier League season due to suspension.Maresca has had more positive news in the forward areas with Christopher Nkunku back from a knock.Romeo Lavia will be forced to miss out as Chelsea are unable to add him to their squad list for tonight’s final.Elsewhere, Wesley Fofana, Omari Kellyman and Mykhaylo Mudryk are all unavailable.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGood afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the Conference League final!Chelsea and Real Betis go head-to-head in tonight’s showpiece in Wroclaw.The Blues have already secured their spot in the Champions League next season, so there is less riding on this final than there could have been if the West London outfit lost to Nottingham Forest on Sunday and results elsewhere went against them.That said, Enzo Maresca’s side can make history this evening by becoming the first side to win all four of the major Uefa club competitions that have existed.Meanwhile, Premier League winner Manuel Pellegrini is looking to lead Real Betis to the first European trophy in the club’s history.Like Chelsea, Betis’ European fate has already been sealed regardless of tonight’s result, as they finished 6th in LaLiga, which has already qualified them for next season’s Europa League.Copy linkCopied More