The Night Chelsea Made Me Eat My Words (And Made History Too)

By Lewis Barnett 29 May, 2025 5 mins read 87 Views

Look, I'll be honest. When I saw Chelsea trailing 1-0 to Real Betis in Wroclaw, I texted my mate Dave: "Another European disappointment incoming." Boy, was I wrong.

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Palmer Turned Me Into a Believer

Cole Palmer is different. Like, genuinely different. The way he orchestrated that comeback... Christ, it reminded me why I fell in love with football in the first place. Set up Enzo Fernandez for the equalizer, then fed Nicolas Jackson to put the Blues ahead. Just pure class.

And here's the mad part - with that 4-1 victory, Chelsea became the first team EVER to win every European trophy currently available.

Every. Single. One.

The Conference League: Baby Steps to Glory

The Conference League only started in 2021-22, right? So Chelsea are just the fourth team to win it, following Roma, West Ham (still can't believe that happened), and Olympiacos. But here's what makes this special - they're the ONLY Conference League winners who've also bagged both the Champions League and Europa League.

That's not luck. That's pedigree.

European Royalty (With Receipts)

Let me walk you through Chelsea's European CV, because it's actually mental when you list it all out:

Champions League: 2012 (that penalty shootout in Munich still gives me goosebumps) and 2021 (beating City in Porto).

Europa League: 2013 under Benitez and 2019 with Sarri pulling the strings. UEFA Super Cup: 1998 and 2021. Club World Cup: 2021, beating Al-Hilal and Palmeiras.

And now the Conference League. Job done.

But Wait, There's More (Domestically Speaking)

Before Roman Abramovich rocked up in 2003 with his billions, Chelsea had already won the old First Division in 1955. Three FA Cups by 2000. A couple of League Cups. Respectable, but hardly earth-shattering.

Post-2003? Five Premier League titles, five more FA Cups, three more League Cups. Four Community Shields for good measure.

They even won some competitions that don't exist anymore - Cup Winners' Cup twice (1971, 1998), Full Members' Cup twice in the 80s. Hell, they were relegated twice in that decade and won the Second Division in 1984 and 1989.

The Bigger Picture

What struck me watching Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo seal the deal in Poland wasn't just the goals. It was the realization that this Chelsea squad - written off by so many this season - had just completed something no other club has managed.

Enzo Maresca's first season, and he's already made history.

Sometimes football surprises you. Sometimes a team you thought you had figured out goes and does something extraordinary on a random Thursday night in Wroclaw.

Dave still hasn't replied to my text.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Premier League determined?

The Premier League is won by the team who accumulates the most number of points throughout the 38 match season. Three points are given to teams for winning, one point for drawing, and no points are awarded if the team loses. If both teams end the season on the same number points, the champion will be determined based on the goal differential and if required, by the number of goals. If there is still a tie, the winner may be decided by a playoff, which can take place at a neutral location. This scenario, however, has never happened in Premier League history.

What happens to the Premier League teams that finish in the bottom half?

The teams who finish the Premier League season in the bottom 3 positions are relegated into the Championship. This is the second division of English football. The Championship's top two teams, plus the winner from the Championship playoffs get promoted in their place.

What is the role played by the video assistant referee in the Premier League league?

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is utilized in the Premier League to aid on-field referees in making the correct decisions regarding goals, penalty decisions, direct red card incidents, and cases of mistaken identity. The VAR analyses the footage in question, advises and guides the referee. Before making a decision, the referee has the option of viewing a playback on the pitchside screen. The system's goal is to minimize any human errors that may affect the result of a game.

Are there any financial regulations in place in the Premier League?

The Premier League does have financial regulations known as Financial Fair Play rules (FFP). These are meant to stop clubs from going beyond their means, and promote financial stability. These rules force clubs to limit their loss over a three year period and to ensure expenditures do no exceed their earnings related to football. The regulations aim to promote responsible spending, and to maintain a competitive balance in the league.

What impact does the Premier League have on the English National Team?

The Premier League plays a significant role in the development of English football talent. Many Premier League players are selected to the English national football team. They contribute their skills and experiences in international competitions. The competitive nature of leagues and their quality players is thought to benefit the English national team. The high number and quality of foreign players in the league has led to debates about how this affects English players' opportunities to get regular first team football.

Statistics

Durability is exemplified by Gareth Barry who made an impressive 653 Premier League appearances, the highest number to date.
In the 1995–96 season, Manchester United achieved the largest title-winning margin, finishing 18 points clear of the second-placed team.
The 2018–19 season saw Manchester City accumulate a staggering 100 points, setting the record for the highest total in Premier League history.
Arsenal boasts an unbeaten streak of 49 Premier League matches from May 2003 to October 2004, the longest in the history of the league.
Ryan Giggs holds the distinction of scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons, marking consistency seldom seen in such a demanding league.

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How To

How To Understand Premier League Standings

Understanding Premier League standings are essential to follow the progress of the season. The league table is ranked mostly by total point. Three points are given for a win. One point is awarded for a drawn match. And none for losing. When teams are tied on points, the goal difference (goals conceded minus goals scored) is used to break ties. The table provides insight into who might be crowned champions, qualify for European competitions, or face relegation, making every match a potential turning point.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/premier-league/the-carlos-vela-story-how-arsenals-forgotten-genius-finally-found-his-home