"Everyone may have evaluated this season as a disaster, but it's definitely not."

Chelsea achieved a 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest in the final match of the Premier League Round 38 for the 2024-2025 season, held at the City Ground in Nottingham, England, on the 26th.

With this win, Chelsea secured 3 points, recording a total of 69 points (20 wins, 9 draws, 9 losses), placing 4th in the league and earning qualification for the UEFA Champions League next season.

Chelsea lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Pedro Neto played at the forefront while Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, and Noni Madueke positioned themselves in the attacking second line. Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo filled the midfield, while Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Reece James formed the back four. Goalkeeping duties were handled by Robert Sanchez.

In the first half, Chelsea recorded 54% possession and attempted 2 shots, but failed to convert any into on-target shots. They struggled to gain control amidst an even possession battle. Nottingham also recorded 2 shots with 0 on target.

The first half ended 0-0.

The opening goal, which led to the victory, came in the 5th minute of the second half. Cole Palmer's cross from the left side was cleared by the defense but not far enough, and Cucurella sent it back into the box. Neto seized the deflected ball off a defender's head and consolidated it with a pass, which Colwill, who was involved in the attack, pushed into the empty net.

The match ended with Chelsea's 1-0 victory. They achieved success in what was a particularly fierce competition for Champions League tickets.

After the match, according to 'Football London', Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said, "I am very happy. There are many reasons, but first of all, the players deserve to achieve such results. From day one, they have worked very hard. The club, the owner, the Director General, and the players all looked in the same direction. As I have said all season long, external noise was much greater than internal noise."

He emphasized, "It was a really tough match. Manchester City lost here, Arsenal and Liverpool drew, and only Chelsea won. This is not an easy place. The players showed how great they are and how hard they worked. Unfortunately, this industry is evaluated solely on results. If we had not won today, perhaps everyone would have evaluated this season as a disaster, but it's definitely not."

He added, "As I have said numerous times, this season has been successful. Two years ago we were 12th, last year we were 6th, and now we finished 4th. Perhaps we have the youngest squad in Premier League history. That's why I am really happy."

Maresca evaluated the season by stating, "Results have always been important for us. From the first day of the season until now, it has always been that way. But we want to achieve results in our own way. The players showed remarkable tenacity today and adapted well to what to do when they didn’t have the ball. This environment isn't easy, but the players handled it well."

He continued, "I had no doubts about the players. Doubts came from the outside. People who claim to know everything, those who have the truth, said we are too young or not good enough. They also said Aston Villa would concede so that we could qualify for the Champions League. They said we are too young and inexperienced to win in this stadium. I am sorry for them, but they were all wrong. I want to tell those who think they know everything. What do you say in English? 'Get lost.' Our players deserve it. They made a fantastic effort."

He also addressed the transfer market and player reinforcement, stating, "Honestly, I'm not thinking about summer right now. Today is the day we have returned to the most important European competition, which is where the club should be. Today is the most important day for the players."

Regarding qualification for the Champions League, he said, "I am very proud. First of all, thanks to the players. I have seen them grow throughout the season, and I feel I have been part of that process. The players are a really wonderful group and good players who work hard to help each other. Throughout the season, outsiders constantly said we are too young, lacking leaders, and insufficient, but in the end, results speak for everything."

Chelsea is preparing for the UEFA Europa Conference League final. They will face Real Betis on the 29th at 4 a.m. Ahead of this, Manager Maresca noted, "In the early part of the season, we competed in 4 tournaments. Today we confirmed our qualification for the Champions League. Winning the Conference League would be even better, but even though we were eliminated from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, I think this season has already been a good season. If we secure the title, it will be a very good season. I hope that happens."

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