Dewsbury-Hall Goal Sends Chelsea to European Final \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Chelsea secured its place in the UEFA Conference League final after a 1-0 win over Djurgården, advancing 5-1 on aggregate. The Blues will face Real Betis, who eliminated Fiorentina after extra time, in the May 28 final in Poland.
Quick Looks
- Chelsea beat Djurgården 1-0 in the Conference League semifinal second leg.
- The Blues advanced 5-1 on aggregate and will face Real Betis in the final.
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the lone goal at Stamford Bridge.
- Chelsea started a heavily rotated squad, resting key players.
- The final takes place on May 28 in Wroclaw, Poland.
- Chelsea could become the first club to win all major UEFA competitions.
- Real Betis defeated Fiorentina 4-3 on aggregate after extra time.
- Betis reaches its first European final in club history.
Deep Look
Chelsea FC kept their European campaign on course Thursday night, easing into the UEFA Conference League final with a composed 1-0 victory over Djurgården at Stamford Bridge. The result sealed a 5-1 aggregate triumph and booked the Premier League club a spot in the final against Real Betis on May 28 in Wroclaw, Poland.
With a comfortable first-leg cushion, manager Enzo Maresca fielded a heavily rotated side, preserving his key starters for domestic action. The lone goal came from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who finished off a precise through ball from Tyrique George in the 38th minute with a tidy left-footed shot.
“It’s amazing to be in the final,” Dewsbury-Hall told TNT Sports. “From the start of the season, this was a goal for us. One more game and hopefully we can lift the trophy.”
For Chelsea, the final represents a shot at history: the Blues are now just one win away from becoming the first club ever to win every major UEFA competition, having already lifted the Champions League (2012, 2021), Europa League (2013, 2019), Cup Winners’ Cup (1971, 1998), and Super Cup (1998, 2021).
Despite the perceived lower status of the Conference League, Chelsea’s involvement demonstrates ambition and depth, especially as they balance a fierce battle in the Premier League for a Champions League berth. Currently sitting fifth in the league, Maresca’s decision to rest nearly the entire starting XI, including against title-holders Liverpool last weekend, reflects a squad rotation strategy designed to sustain momentum on all fronts.
Only Marc Cucurella retained his place from the team that beat Liverpool. Impressively, 16-year-old Reggie Walsh earned his first senior start, drawing multiple fouls and standing out with composure beyond his years. Walsh previously became the third-youngest player in Chelsea history when he came off the bench in the first leg.
Real Betis Survives Fiorentina Fightback in Thriller
In the other semifinal, Real Betis overcame a ferocious challenge from Fiorentina, drawing 2-2 after extra time in Florence to win 4-3 on aggregate. The Spanish side is now preparing for its first-ever European final.
Betis looked in control early, with Antony — on loan from Manchester United — curling in a stunning free kick in the 30th minute to extend the aggregate lead to 3-1. But Fiorentina, runners-up in the last two Conference League finals, responded quickly. Robin Gosens equalized just four minutes later, and then scored again before halftime with another header to tie the tie at 3-3 on aggregate.
The match was pushed to extra time, where Antony provided a crucial assist, crossing for Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, who beat David De Gea to score the decisive goal in the 97th minute. Ezzalzouli had also scored in the first leg, underlining his rising importance for Betis.
Fiorentina’s third straight deep run in the Conference League ends in heartbreak, once again falling just short of continental glory.
Chelsea vs Betis: A Clash of Ambitions
The May 28 final will pit European royalty against a first-time finalist. Chelsea, experienced in major finals, will arrive as favorites. But Betis, guided by a blend of youth and attacking flair, has demonstrated resilience and tactical maturity.
Beyond the trophy, the winner of the Conference League earns automatic entry to the Europa League next season — a potential backup plan for Chelsea should their Champions League push fall short.
For Betis, the title would be historic. For Chelsea, it would be legacy-defining, placing them alone atop the list of clubs to conquer every UEFA competition.
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