Few will ever forget the 2003/04 season, as Chelsea recorded our second best ever seasonal campaign, propelling ourselves back into the big three of the English League with our second highest finish, and progressing further than ever before in the UEFA Champions League. There may be no trophies to show after a thrilling year, but strong foundations have been laid and there have been fond memories created along the way. It was a season to remembers as Claudio Ranieri prepared his group of international superstars for an attack on all fronts. On home soil, the team recorded the most points we have ever attained in the top-flight, with some fine victories along the way, most notably against arch-rivals Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, whilst in Europe, the 4-0 defeat of Lazio in their own back yard, became the biggest win by any foreign club on Italian turf at that time.
As Frank Lampard rounded the Bolton keeper and stroked in Chelsea's second goal, the dream had been achieved and the Blue flag was flying high. "Chelsea Barclays Premier League Champions 2005". For the first time in 50 years Chelsea are the English Champions. This is the official story of their fantastic double winning 2004-2005 season. It was the year that José Mourinho's side became the most feared in this country and on the continent. They defeated all comers, in the most successful campaign in the club's history, breaking numerous records along the way. Most points in a campaign, achieved ironically at Old Trafford and surpassing the record held by the home team, and most wins in a Premier League season, quite an achievement! Relive every Premiership game, from the curtain raiser against Manchester United to lifting the League trophy against Charlton.
Led by the masterful Carlo Ancelotti Chelsea FC broke record after record as the club secured a scintillating Premier League and FA Cup Double for the first time in its glorious history. The Blues were simply untouchable as they sealed a memorable title triumph on the last day of the season with an 8-0 thrashing of Wigan, taking their tally for the year to 103 goals - a new Premiership milestone. The season was filled with many magical memories including home and away victories over traditionally the other big three - Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. The FA Cup Final proved the perfect finish to an epic campaign as another Didier Drogba goal sealed a deserved victory against a stubborn Portsmouth to seal a famous Double and leave the fans dancing with delight!
The club completed an historic double, lifting The FA Cup and becoming newly crowned champions of Europe, lifting the coveted Champions League trophy following years of heartbreak, after beating four times winners Bayern Munich at their home ground in one of the most exciting Finals in recent times. A season that promised so much with the appointment of new manager André Villas-Boas looked to be heading towards disappointment as Chelsea's league and European form faltered. However, under Chelsea old boy and club legend Roberto Di Matteo, installed as interim first team coach, the incredible spirit of the club shone through with Chelsea putting together two sensational cup runs which will stay with their fans forever. Every match and every goal from this unforgettable season are covered in this action-packed review.
Back at the club he loves and back with the fans who love him, José Mourinho returned to provide a captivating season from beginning to the very end. A squad that included legends Frank Lampard, John Terry and Petr Čech combined with the attacking talent of Eden Hazard, Willian and Oscar formed the nucleus of a terrifically talented team, guided by a tactical mastermind. In the Barclays Premier League, the Blues outplayed and outmanoeuvred their closest rivals in the biggest games, with stunning doubles over Manchester City and Liverpool, and comprehensive victories against Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal. In the UEFA Champions League, a reunion with Didier Drogba followed a dramatic, last gasp win over PSG took Chelsea to the brink of another European final.
The 2008/09 season will go down as one of the most dramatic and exciting in Chelsea FC's long and illustrious history. A mid-season change of manager, a devastating departure from the Champions League and a famous victory in The FA Cup Final are just some of the moments to remember. After a scintillating start to the season which saw the Blues undefeated until late October hopes were high that the club could reclaim the Premier League crown and secure an elusive first Champions League title. But a slump in form and fortune saw the club's title aspirations disappear along with manager Luiz Felipe Scolari. The arrival of Guus Hiddink energised the team and revived ambitions of securing a trophy but with the Premier League just out of reach and hearts broken in the Champions League, their perseverance was rewarded with a fantastic win at Wembley in The FA Cup Final ensuring another season of silverware for the mighty Blues.