On May 8, 2025, Chelsea Football Club secured their place in the UEFA Conference League final with a 1-0 victory over Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge, completing a 5-1 aggregate win. The match not only highlighted Chelsea's dominance in the competition but also marked a historic moment for 16-year-old Reggie Walsh, who became the youngest player to start for Chelsea in a European match.
Walsh, who made his first appearance in the first leg with a late cameo, was thrust into the starting XI by manager Enzo Maresca. At just 16 years and 200 days old, he surpassed the previous record held by Shim Mheuka, who was 17 years and 137 days old when he started against FC Copenhagen earlier this season. Maresca praised Walsh’s talent, stating, "He is a talent. Very good. His technique is fantastic. I really like him between the lines."
The only goal of the match came from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who capitalized on a brilliant pass from Tyrique George to find the back of the net. Dewsbury-Hall expressed his excitement about reaching the final, saying, "Amazing to be in the final. We set our sights at the start of the season to get as far as we can in this tournament and it has been a long couple of months but one more game to go and hopefully we can lift that trophy."
As Chelsea prepares for their upcoming final against Real Betis in Wroclaw later this month, they will carry the momentum of having won 11 of their 12 matches in the competition, with their only defeat coming against Legia Warsaw. The Blues have scored an impressive 38 goals while conceding just nine throughout their campaign, making them formidable contenders.
Meanwhile, the other semi-final between Fiorentina and Real Betis was a nail-biter, with Betis leading 2-1 after the first leg. The match, held at Stadio Artemio Franchi, saw Fiorentina fighting back to level the aggregate score at 3-3, forcing the game into extra time. However, Real Betis held their nerve and managed to progress to the final, leaving Fiorentina disappointed.
Despite the limited attendance due to ongoing reconstruction at their stadium, Fiorentina's supporters created an electric atmosphere as they urged their team on. The match was filled with drama, including a shot that hit the post and several near misses from both sides. Fran Vieites, the Betis goalkeeper, was a standout performer, making crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
Fiorentina's coach expressed his frustration at missed opportunities, particularly highlighting a moment when Isco ballooned a shot over from close range. The tension escalated as players from both teams were cautioned for time-wasting, and the match was punctuated by a series of near-misses and dramatic moments.
In a post-match interview, Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong reflected on the experience of playing in the Conference League, saying, "Playing in the Europa Conference League has been really enjoyable, a chance to play at Stamford Bridge and away so it has been good." He also emphasized the importance of the manager's confidence in the players, stating, "He gives me a lot of confidence so every time I get on the pitch, I want to repay him and try my best. I love the club so as long as I can stay here my whole life, I will do it."
The final, set for May 28, 2025, is a historic opportunity for Chelsea as they aim to become the first team to win all of UEFA's major competitions. The excitement is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling encounter against Real Betis.
As the Chelsea squad prepares for this monumental clash, the focus will be on maintaining their winning momentum and ensuring that their young talents, like Walsh, continue to develop and shine on the European stage. With the support of their passionate fanbase and the determination to secure silverware, Chelsea is poised to make history.
