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1997 FA Cup final

The 1997 FA Cup Final was an match contested on 17 May 1997 at in , between of the and of the First Division, with emerging victorious by a 2–0 scoreline to claim their second title and first major honour in 26 years. The game is remembered for its explosive start, as Italian midfielder scored after just 43 seconds—then the fastest goal in history—with a 30-yard volley off the crossbar following a pass from captain , setting the tone for Chelsea's dominance under player-manager , who became the first foreign manager to win the competition. , managed by and appearing in their first major final despite a recent relegation from the top flight just a week prior, struggled to respond, with Chelsea's defense holding firm until substitute sealed the win with a low shot in the 83rd minute. This triumph marked a turning point for , ending a long trophy drought since their 1971 European Cup Winners' Cup success and signaling the beginning of a resurgence under Gullit's leadership, while for it represented a bittersweet end to a season of highs and lows, drawing an attendance of 79,160 to the historic venue.

Background

Season Context

The 1996–97 season marked the fifth year of the rebranded top flight, with Manchester United securing the title for the fourth straight year amid a competitive field that highlighted the growing intensity of English football's elite division. achieved a solid sixth-place finish with 59 points, their best league performance in nearly a decade, which signified the beginning of a revival fueled by substantial financial backing from vice-chairman , whose investments in the mid-1990s stabilized the club and enabled key signings under player-manager . In contrast, Middlesbrough's campaign was defined by inconsistency and controversy, culminating in a 19th-place finish and relegation on the final day, May 11, 1997, following a 1–1 draw against Leeds United that left them two points and inferior behind safety. The club had amassed points prior to a three-point deduction imposed in for unilaterally postponing a December fixture against Blackburn Rovers due to player injuries and illness, a penalty that would have positioned them 14th without it. The , established in as the world's oldest knockout tournament, reached its 116th edition in 1996–97, continuing its tradition as a premier test of endurance across English football's pyramid. For , the competition represented an opportunity to claim their first major trophy since the 1971 European Cup Winners' Cup success, ending a 26-year wait, while were making their debut appearance in the final after a storied history without prior success at this level. Middlesbrough's cup ambitions extended beyond the FA Cup that season, as they also advanced to the final, only to fall short in a replay against Leicester City on April 13, 1997, losing 1–0 after a 1–1 draw in the original tie on April 6; this dual final run emphasized the club's strategic focus on knockout success amid ongoing league instability and the fallout from their points deduction.

Team Profiles

Chelsea had endured a turbulent period prior to the 1997 FA Cup final, marked by financial instability that threatened the club's existence. In 1982, acquired the club and rescued it from bankruptcy, the only English football club in such a state at the time, stabilizing operations through shrewd management and redevelopment of Stamford Bridge. The team struggled in the lower divisions during the , facing relegation battles and limited success, but Bates' ownership laid the foundation for revival. By the mid-1990s, had returned to the , yet the club sought a transformative figure to elevate its ambitions. The appointment of as player-manager in May 1996 marked a turning point, bringing international pedigree and tactical innovation to the squad. Gullit, signed as a free agent from earlier that summer, combined his midfield expertise with managerial duties, fostering a more attacking style. Key reinforcements included , acquired from Manchester United for £1.5 million, adding proven goal-scoring prowess and leadership. These signings, alongside existing talents like —who joined from Juventus for £4.3 million in 1996—infused the team with experience from top European clubs. The squad blended seasoned internationals such as Hughes and Vialli with emerging youth like and , creating a balanced unit capable of competing at the highest level. Heading into the final, were in strong form, unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions, building momentum from a solid league campaign that saw them finish sixth. Harding's death in a helicopter crash on 22 October 1996 added emotional weight to the season, yet galvanized the club's resurgence under Gullit. Middlesbrough's path to the final reflected rapid ascent tempered by off-field challenges. The club earned promotion to the in May 1995 under manager , who had taken charge as player-manager in June 1994 after leaving Manchester United. Robson's leadership transformed from Second Division contenders into top-flight participants, emphasizing disciplined play and bold recruitment. However, heavy spending on high-profile talents strained finances, culminating in a threat of amid broader economic pressures on the club in 1997. Star signings that season included Brazilian midfielder from for £4.7 million, defensive midfielder from for £4 million, and Italian striker from Juventus for £7 million, injecting flair and global appeal into the side. The squad featured a mix of foreign imports like , Ravanelli, and , who provided creativity and technical skill, supported by a robust defense anchored by players such as and under Robson's tactical guidance. This setup delivered defensive solidity, conceding 60 goals in the that season, while the imports added unpredictability to the attack. Despite reaching the final, 's recent relegation—confirmed three days prior due to a points deduction—severely dented team morale, turning the outing into a bittersweet endeavor amid the pain of demotion.

Road to Wembley

Chelsea

Chelsea began their 1996–97 campaign in the third round with a comfortable 3–0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on January 4, 1997, at Stamford Bridge. Goals came from in the 39th minute, in the 74th, and in the 90th, showcasing early control and finishing against the Second Division side. This result set a solid foundation under player-manager , highlighting the team's blend of experience and emerging talent. In the fourth round, Chelsea faced a stern test against rivals on January 26, 1997, also at Stamford Bridge. Trailing 2–0 at halftime after strikes from and , Chelsea mounted a remarkable comeback with goals from (50'), (68'), and a brace from (80', 84'), securing a 4–2 win. The turnaround demonstrated the squad's resilience and attacking depth, propelling them forward amid a competitive season. The fifth round brought a challenging tie against Leicester City. The first leg on February 16, 1997, at ended 2–2, with Chelsea leading 2–0 through (14') and a penalty (75') before late goals from and Steve Walsh leveled the score. In the replay on February 26, 1997, at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea advanced 1–0 in extra time via a controversial penalty in the 117th minute, underscoring their determination despite the contentious decision. Advancing to the quarter-finals, traveled to and dismantled 4–1 on March 9, 1997. opened the scoring in the 8th minute, followed by (32'), (54'), and another Wise goal in stoppage time, with John McLaughlin replying for the hosts. This emphatic away performance against the Second Division leaders affirmed 's superiority and momentum. In the semi-final on April 13, 1997, at , decisively beat Wimbledon 3–0. scored either side of halftime (43', 90'), with adding a sublime finish in the 64th minute, neutralizing a side that had troubled them earlier in the league season. Throughout their path to Wembley, Chelsea scored 17 goals across the rounds, reflecting attacking flair led by Hughes and , while maintaining defensive resilience under Gullit's leadership to concede just five. Comebacks and clinical finishing were hallmarks, transforming a mid-table side into cup contenders.

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough's journey in the 1996–97 FA Cup was marked by a series of performances, highlighting their spirit amid a challenging campaign where they ultimately faced relegation. Entering the competition as a mid-table side with high-profile signings but plagued by injuries, the team under manager relied heavily on the flair of foreign talents like Italian striker and Argentine midfielder to navigate upsets and close contests. In the third round on January 4, 1997, secured a comfortable 6–0 victory over third-tier Chester City at the . Ravanelli scored twice, with additional goals from , , , and Phil Stamp, setting a dominant tone early in their cup run. The fourth round brought drama against non-league Town on January 25, 1997, also at the , where edged a 3–2 thriller in one of the competition's classic giant-killing scares. , from the , took the lead through Joe O'Connor before an by Colin Lambert leveled it; and Ravanelli struck late to seal progression, underscoring Boro's resilience against lower-division tenacity. Advancing to the fifth round on February 15, 1997, upset fellow side Manchester City with a 1–0 away win at . Brazilian playmaker Paulista's 77th-minute strike proved decisive, showcasing the team's ability to grind out results despite a mounting injury crisis that tested their squad depth. The quarter-final on March 8, 1997, saw dispatch Derby County 2–0 at Pride Park, with goals from in the 39th minute and Ravanelli in the 90th, propelling them into their first semi-final. Ravanelli's clinical finishing, supported by Ortega's creative influence, highlighted the impact of Robson's continental recruits in high-stakes ties. The semi-final against second-tier Chesterfield encapsulated Middlesbrough's dramatic path, beginning with a thrilling 3–3 draw on April 13, 1997, at . Chesterfield led 2–0 through Andy and a penalty, but Ravanelli, Hignett (from the spot), and responded to force extra time, where Jamie Hewitt's controversial late equalizer—deemed not to have fully crossed the line by referee —was upheld amid heated debate. In the replay on April 22, 1997, at Hillsborough, triumphed 3–0, with opening the scoring early, followed by Ravanelli and ; a second-half goal by Chesterfield's Steve Barker was controversially ruled out for , ensuring Boro's progression to despite ongoing injury woes to key players like .

The Match

Pre-Match Build-Up

The 1997 FA Cup final was held at in , which had a capacity of approximately 100,000 but saw an attendance of 79,160 for the match between and . As per longstanding tradition, the pre-match ceremonies included the singing of the hymn "" by the crowd, a dating back to 1927 that underscores the event's emotional and communal significance. Chelsea prepared for the final under player-manager , who oversaw training sessions at the club's Harlington facility in the days leading up to the game, balancing his roles on and off the pitch to instill confidence in the squad. , meanwhile, entered their first-ever amid the pain of relegation from the just a week earlier following a 1–1 draw with Leeds United, with manager focusing on motivational talks to rally the players and salvage the season. Media coverage intensified the anticipation, particularly around Middlesbrough's bid for after their recent "double final" heartbreak, having lost the League Cup final to Leicester City on penalties earlier in April. Pundits highlighted as clear favorites due to their stronger league form and home advantage in , framing the clash as a test of Middlesbrough's resilience under Robson. Key player updates included doubts over striker Fabrizio Ravanelli's fitness due to a hamstring sustained earlier in the season, though he was ultimately deemed fit to start. For , was set to anchor the central role, providing creative support in Gullit's tactical setup. The weather on match day was hot and humid, contributing to a tense atmosphere at the venue. Fans traveled extensively to , with supporters from arriving via local transport and Middlesbrough fans making the long journey from by coach and train, creating vibrant pre-match scenes along Wembley Way. Each club received substantial ticket allocations, enabling tens of thousands of supporters to fill the stands and generate an electric crowd dynamic.

Match Summary

The 1997 FA Cup final commenced at on 17 May, with kicking off against in front of 79,160 spectators. Just 43 seconds into the match, took the lead through a stunning volley by from approximately 30 yards, after receiving a pass from who had won the ball in midfield, striking the ball off the crossbar into the top corner—marking the fastest goal in a Wembley at the time—a record that stood until 2009. In the first half, mounted pressure in response but were hampered by injuries. Forward , already nursing a issue, was forced off after 21 minutes with what appeared to be a recurrence, replaced by . soon followed, substituted in the 29th minute by Steve Vickers due to injury. defended stoutly, though had a goal disallowed in first-half stoppage time when Gianluca Festa's header from a was ruled offside by Stephen Lodge, despite television replays suggesting it was legitimate. The second half saw Chelsea assert greater dominance, controlling the midfield and limiting 's counter-attacking opportunities through a disciplined 4-3-3 formation that emphasized wing play from and full-backs and . , operating in a 4-4-2 setup, struggled to regain momentum after their early disruptions and pushed forward late, with missing a clear chance around the 80th minute. Chelsea sealed the victory in the 83rd minute when steered a low left-footed shot into the net after a flick-back from , ensuring a 2–0 win. Chelsea (4-3-3): (GK); , , , ; , (c), ; , , ( 89'); Manager: . Middlesbrough (4-4-2): Ben Roberts (GK); , , , ; , ( 29'), , Phil Stamp; ( 21'), ( 75'); Manager: . Di Matteo was named Man of the Match for his decisive contribution.

Aftermath

Immediate Reactions

Following the final whistle, Chelsea's players erupted in jubilation on the pitch at , forming a team huddle before embarking on a lap of honor to celebrate their 2-0 victory over . Manager , who had also captained the side, proudly lifted the trophy amid the cheers of the crowd, marking the club's first major silverware in 26 years. In contrast, 's players displayed visible dejection, with manager seen consoling his squad as they grappled with the loss coming just days after their relegation from the . Roberto Di Matteo, scorer of the opening goal after just 43 seconds, later reflected on the moment as a spontaneous decision driven by the game's flow. "Boro kept backing off, so I thought, 'I’ll have a go here'," he recalled, describing how the strike hit the crossbar before nestling in the net, prompting him to run toward the ecstatic fans. Di Matteo also shared his pre-match nerves, eased by Gullit's reassurance: "Don’t worry, lovely boy, we’re going to win!" Gullit himself hailed the triumph as a pivotal end to 's long drought, emphasizing the collective relief and joy in post-match comments. For Middlesbrough's Robson, the defeat compounded recent setbacks, though specific reflections from him highlighted the squad's despite the heartbreak. Media coverage captured the electric atmosphere, with BBC commentator John Motson noting the swift impact of Di Matteo's goal in his live broadcast. Newspapers led with exuberant headlines, such as The Mirror's "Blue Heaven in 43 Seconds," celebrating 's rapid dominance and Gullit's historic win as the first foreign manager to claim the . supporters reveled in the success, their blue-clad sections of the roaring in delight, though some attempted to spill onto the pitch in excitement before being held back by security. fans, despite the loss, applauded their team's effort, showing solidarity as the players left the field. The trophy presentation ceremony was conducted by HRH The , with an official attendance of 79,160, underscoring the event's massive draw.

Legacy and Impact

The 1997 FA Cup victory marked Chelsea's first major trophy in 26 years, since their 1971 European Cup Winners' Cup, signaling the start of a revival under manager that transformed the club from mid-table obscurity to consistent challengers. This success bolstered Gullit's tenure, culminating in the 1998 triumph before his departure, and helped establish Chelsea as an attractive destination for international talent, laying groundwork for the investment-driven dominance that followed Roman Abramovich's 2003 takeover. For , the final confirmed their relegation from the due to a prior three-point deduction, ending a tumultuous season, but the cup run maintained team momentum and fan support, contributing to their immediate back to the top flight as First Division runners-up in 1998 under . The match highlighted pivotal player careers: reached a personal peak with his iconic 43-second opener, but injuries forced his retirement in 2002 at age 31 after further successes including the 2000 FA Cup. departed for following 's relegation, where he helped the club finish second in during the 1998–99 season. solidified his iconic status at despite the loss, becoming a club legend for his flair and three spells with the team, emblematic of the era's foreign influx. Culturally, the final exemplified the Premier League's accelerating , pitting a side led by Dutch manager and Italian stars like Di Matteo against Middlesbrough's Brazilian and Italian Ravanelli, signaling the shift toward international recruitment that defined English football's commercial expansion. Di Matteo's strike held the record for the fastest goal in an until Louis Saha's 25-second effort for in 2009. The event contributed to the FA Cup's rising profile amid the Premier League's TV boom, with the seeing domestic broadcast deals escalate from £1.1 million per club in 1992 to over £30 million by , enhancing overall competition revenue through heightened interest in knockout spectacles. It also underscored Chelsea's growing emphasis on youth development, as post-1997 stability allowed talents like —debuting in —to flourish into key figures, influencing the club's academy focus amid later successes.

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