In a fiery twist to the aftermath of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League final, Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso has stirred major controversy by publicly claiming that Chelsea’s triumph was the result of “luck and favoritism” from UEFA and match officials. His statement, posted on social media just days after the final whistle, has ignited a firestorm of debate across football platforms worldwide.
Cardoso, who played the full 90 minutes in Real Betis’ narrow 2-1 loss to Chelsea, posted:
“We gave everything, but Chelsea’s win was thanks to luck and help from the refs. UEFA clearly had their favorite.”
The bold accusation immediately triggered a backlash, with fans, pundits, and even players weighing in. However, it was Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca who delivered the most powerful response — and he did so with just nine words:
“Champions don’t complain. They win. Others make excuses.”
Maresca’s concise but cutting remark quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and shares across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Many fans hailed the Chelsea manager’s response as “classy,” “undeniable,” and “the perfect clapback.” Meanwhile, Johnny Cardoso has not issued any further comment, and his social media post has since been deleted.
The incident adds another layer of drama to what has already been a highly scrutinized final. While Chelsea lifted the trophy and celebrated their European success, Real Betis players and fans have struggled to move past perceived injustices. Reports suggest that Betis will not formally file a complaint, but the tension between the clubs remains palpable.
Chelsea’s victory in the 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League marked a high point in the season for Enzo Maresca’s squad, which battled injuries, inconsistency, and criticism. Yet, Maresca’s leadership has turned the tide, and his no-nonsense attitude continues to earn praise from Chelsea supporters.
Despite the controversy, UEFA has confirmed that no refereeing errors or violations were found after post-match review. The governing body stands firmly behind the officiating team and the legitimacy of Chelsea’s win.
