Chelsea captain Reece James said something other than winning the UEFA Conference League would have been judged as a failure after beating Real Betis 4-1 in the final.
James came from the bank to inspire a walk through the second half while the blues stormed back from 1-0 during the break.
Goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo provided the first trophy of Chelsea since 2021.
The English giants were strong favorites for the competition before a ball was kicked thanks to far -reaching resources than their rivals in the third tournament in Europe.
That financial inequality turned out to be the team from Enzo Maresca to Glory, but James is aware that they are dealing with a much more difficult test when they return to the Champions League next season.
“In this competition it came something that we had to win,” James told TNT Sports. “Next season we will go back to the Champions League.”
Victory also meant that Chelsea became the first club to win all four the great UEFA competitions after the Champions League, Europa League and Disbyed Cup Winners' Cup.
“To be the only team in history (to win all four), it is a great feeling,” said Cole Palmer, who helped the game to convert with two assists for the first two goals in Chelsea.