ATHENS – Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has opened up about a special moment he shared with Real Betis playmaker Isco after the Blues secured a stunning 4-1 victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League final on Wednesday night.
The final, held in Athens, saw Chelsea deliver a commanding second-half performance to overturn an early deficit and clinch their first-ever UEFA Europa Conference League title. Goals from Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson, and Jadon Sancho ensured the London club capped off their European campaign in style.
While the result was a collective triumph for Chelsea, Maresca took a moment during the post-match scenes to pay tribute to a former teammate—Real Betis star Isco—who had a standout season in La Liga despite ending up on the losing side in the final.
“Isco Has a Quality That Makes the Difference” – Maresca
Speaking to Movistar Plus after the match, Maresca revealed that he deliberately sought out Isco once the final whistle blew to personally applaud the Spanish midfielder’s enduring brilliance on the pitch.
“I told Isco at the end that he has a quality that makes the difference,” Maresca said. “Even tonight, despite the result, you could see his intelligence, his elegance with the ball, and how he tries to dictate the rhythm of the game. I have always admired him.”
Maresca and Isco share a personal history, having played together at Málaga CF during the 2011–2012 La Liga season. Their mutual respect, developed over years of camaraderie and footballing understanding, was clearly on display following the Conference League showdown.
Chelsea’s Comeback Seals Historic Win
The final had started in favour of Real Betis, who took an early lead through striker Willian José. The Andalusian side dominated the opening phases, capitalising on Chelsea’s sluggish start and unsettling the Premier League giants with their pressing and midfield control—largely orchestrated by the experienced Isco.
However, Chelsea responded swiftly and ruthlessly. Fernández equalised just before halftime with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, shifting momentum to Maresca’s side.
In the second half, Chelsea upped the tempo and Betis struggled to keep pace. Ecuadorian midfielder Moisés Caicedo gave the Blues the lead with a composed finish following a well-worked team move. Jackson added the third with a clinical breakaway goal, while Sancho put the result beyond doubt with a curling effort in the 87th minute.
The win delivered Chelsea their first trophy under Maresca’s leadership and secured European silverware after a turbulent domestic season.
Maresca’s Tactical Brilliance and Touch of Class
Hired less than a year ago, Maresca’s journey from Leicester City to Stamford Bridge was met with skepticism. But the Italian tactician has swiftly won over fans and critics alike with his adaptable strategies and player-centric approach.
The Conference League win is a testament to his ability to rally his squad in high-pressure situations and get the best out of talents like Fernández, Jackson, and Sancho—players who had underperformed earlier in the season.
But beyond the tactics and celebrations, Maresca’s gesture towards Isco revealed another side of the Chelsea boss: a man deeply respectful of the game and its craftsmen.
“Isco is one of those players who always elevates the level of football around him,” Maresca added. “It was special to face him in a final. I’ll always be grateful for the time we shared at Málaga.”
Isco’s Career Renaissance
At 33, Isco has enjoyed a renaissance at Real Betis after a storied career that included trophy-laden years at Real Madrid and earlier stints at Valencia and Málaga. He played a pivotal role in guiding Betis to the Conference League final, frequently drawing praise for his creativity, composure, and leadership.
Although the final ended in heartbreak, Isco’s performances have reignited calls for his return to the Spanish national team setup, especially with UEFA Euro 2028 qualifiers approaching.
“We fought hard to reach this final, and while the result is disappointing, I’m proud of the team and grateful to the fans,” Isco said in his post-match interview. “I’ve enjoyed this journey immensely. It’s not the end—it’s just the beginning of something bigger at Betis.”
Chelsea Eyes New Horizons
With the trophy secured, Chelsea now look ahead to a vital summer window and a fresh Premier League campaign. Maresca’s immediate task will be building on this European success and steering the team back into contention for the top four in England.
The victory also boosts the club’s UEFA coefficient and guarantees a place in the Europa League next season, ensuring more continental action for Chelsea fans.
The Footballing Bond Beyond Borders
The heartwarming post-match exchange between Maresca and Isco serves as a reminder that football is not just about titles and rivalries—it’s also about shared memories, mutual admiration, and enduring friendships.
Fans online praised the moment, with many noting how rare it is for managers to publicly honour opponents in the heat of celebration.
“It was beautiful to see Maresca embrace Isco and speak so highly of him,” one fan wrote on X. “That’s real sportsmanship.”
As Chelsea lift the Conference League trophy and begin planning for the future, Maresca’s gesture stands out as a highlight of the evening—proof that even in triumph, there’s room for respect and reflection.
