Chelsea has achieved a historic milestone by claiming a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final, making them the first team in European football history to win every major trophy. Enzo Maresca’s squad, already two-time Champions League and Europa League champions, capped off their season by dominating the lesser-known tier of continental competition.
The question now arises: can any team match Chelsea’s remarkable feat? Looking at the Premier League, clubs would have to struggle significantly in their domestic campaigns to wind up competing in the Conference League, a scenario that’s hard to envision for heavyweights like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. Even a club like Celtic would have to endure a catastrophic league season to find themselves in the Conference, despite recent success in Europe.
When considering potential contenders to replicate Chelsea’s achievement, Manchester United stands out. For them to play in the Conference League, they would have to experience a significant decline; however, past English clubs have excelled in this competition. Juventus may also find themselves in the mix, facing challenges that could lead to a drop in their league performance.
Porto, a top team in Portugal, and the Dutch trio of Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord also present interesting angles, as they have the pedigree needed to win, but they would need to fall to lower league standings. Borussia Dortmund could be a long shot as well, given their fluctuating league performance despite being perennial Champions League contenders.
Ultimately, the rarity of teams capable of emulating Chelsea’s success underscores the Blues’ unique position in football history.
Fan Take: Chelsea’s achievement is monumental in the world of soccer, highlighting the challenges even the biggest clubs face in maintaining success across all competitions. This could lead to a shift in how clubs approach their strategies, aiming for comprehensive success rather than focusing solely on primary tournaments.
