Real Betis playmaker Isco has pinpointed his team's inability to convert first-half dominance into goals as the key factor in their 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in Wednesday's UEFA Europa Conference League final in Poland.

The Spanish midfielder expressed disappointment after Betis surrendered an early lead to suffer a heavy defeat against the Premier League side.

"We had a good first half where they barely had any chances," Isco said in his post-match comments. "We had it close and we didn't know how to take advantage of the score, something that has penalised us all season. In a European final, mistakes are very punishing."

Real Betis had made a promising start to the match, taking an early lead through Abde Ezzalzouli in the first half. However, they failed to extend their advantage despite controlling much of the opening period.

Chelsea responded emphatically after the break, with Enzo Fernández drawing the English side level before Nicolas Jackson put them ahead. Jadon Sancho and Moisés Caicedo added further goals to complete a comprehensive 4-1 victory for the Blues.

"In the second half, they ran over us. It's painful," Isco admitted, reflecting on how the match slipped away from the LaLiga side.

The defeat denied Real Betis their first major European trophy, while Chelsea secured their first UEFA Europa Conference League title, adding to their collection of European silverware that already includes Champions League and Europa League trophies.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca had previously acknowledged his team's struggles against Real Betis, particularly in the first half, but his tactical adjustments after the interval proved decisive in turning the match around.