1997 FA Cup Final vs Middlesbrough
Di Matteo's 43-second goal and Chelsea's first major trophy in 26 years.
The 1997 FA Cup final was played at Wembley on 17 May 1997 between Chelsea and Middlesbrough, who were in their first FA Cup final. Chelsea won 2–0 for their second FA Cup and their first major trophy in 26 years.
Quick Facts
- Date
- 17 May 1997
- Venue
- Wembley Stadium
- Score
- Chelsea 2–0 Middlesbrough
- Scorers
- Di Matteo, Newton
Lore & Background
Their only previous FA Cup had come in 1970. For Mark Hughes it was a fourth FA Cup winner's medal, after three with Manchester United; for Middlesbrough it was a second cup final defeat that season, after losing the League Cup final to Leicester City, and they were also relegated.
Reader's Guide
Di Matteo's record stood until Louis Saha scored after 25 seconds against Chelsea in the 2009 final, which Chelsea won 2–1.
Roberto Di Matteo scored after 43 seconds with a 25-yard shot in off the crossbar, then the fastest goal in a Wembley FA Cup final. Middlesbrough's Fabrizio Ravanelli limped off after 21 minutes, and a Gianluca Festa goal was controversially ruled out for offside. Eddie Newton sealed the win seven minutes from time from Gianfranco Zola's flick.
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