Real Betis endured a more challenging path to their first-ever European final, ultimately prevailing over Fiorentina in extra time with a 4-3 aggregate scoreline.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall proved to be the decisive player. In the 38th minute, he latched onto a well-weighted through ball from Tyrique George and calmly slotted a low left-footed shot past the Djurgården goalkeeper.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Dewsbury-Hall expressed his excitement, stating, "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."
Chelsea's progression in the Conference League keeps them on track to achieve a unique distinction: becoming the first club to have won all major European competitions. The London club boasts an impressive European trophy cabinet, including the Champions League (2012, 2021), the Europa League (2013, 2019), the Cup Winners’ Cup (1971, 1998), and the Super Cup (1998, 2021).
The Conference League final is scheduled to take place in Wroclaw, Poland.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca demonstrated the depth of his squad by resting the majority of his regular starters. Notably, only Marc Cucurella retained his place from the team that impressively defeated newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday.
A significant moment for Chelsea was the first career start given to 16-year-old midfielder Reggie Walsh. The young talent impressed, frequently drawing fouls from the opposition's defense. His substitute appearance in the first leg had already made him the third-youngest player to represent Chelsea, according to the club.
While lifting the Conference League trophy would grant the winner a place in the second-tier Europa League next season, this reward holds less significance for Chelsea. The club is currently focused on securing a Champions League spot through their Premier League performance.
Positioned fifth in the Premier League, Chelsea will benefit from the rested legs of their key players when they travel to face Newcastle on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in Florence, the second semifinal unfolded dramatically. Antony provided the crucial assist, crossing the ball for substitute Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, who scored past Fiorentina goalkeeper David De Gea in the 97th minute. This late equalizer secured a 2-2 draw on the night, sending Real Betis through to the final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Ezzalzouli had also been instrumental in Betis's first-leg 2-1 win in Seville the previous week, scoring the decisive goal.
Betis had initially extended their aggregate lead to 3-1 in the 30th minute when Antony, on loan from Manchester United, scored his fourth goal in the competition with a beautiful curling free kick that struck the post before finding the back of the net.
However, Fiorentina mounted a spirited comeback. Robin Gosens leveled the score on the night just four minutes later with a header from a corner kick. Before halftime, Gosens struck again with another header from a corner, bringing the aggregate score to 3-3.
Fiorentina has a recent history in the third-tier European competition, having finished as runners-up in the previous two seasons, losing the finals to West Ham in 2023 and Olympiakos last year.
In the second-tier Europa League semifinals, Manchester United convincingly eliminated Athletic Bilbao with a 7-1 aggregate score, following a 4-1 victory at Old Trafford. This sets up an all-English final against Tottenham, who secured their place with a 2-0 win at Bodø/Glimt, resulting in a 5-1 overall triumph.