UEFA Europa League Titles (2)

Lore & Background

The first of these historic victories arrived in the turbulent shadow of Roberto Di Matteo's Champions League miracle. In the 2012-13 season, under caretaker manager Rafael Benítez—a figure initially greeted with skepticism by a weary fanbase—Chelsea navigated a depleted squad through a grueling knockout gauntlet. The final in Amsterdam against Benfica was a tense, physical battle where Eden Hazard converted a second-half penalty to open the scoring, before Branislav Ivanović's towering header secured a 2-1 victory. As the trophy was lifted, the club completed an unprecedented feat alongside Manchester United: becoming one of only two English teams to win every major UEFA men's competition available at the time. Six years later, the script flipped but the result echoed. In the 2018-19 season, Maurizio Sarri's possession-heavy side faced London rivals Arsenal in a rain-soaked Baku. The match was a tactical chess match that exploded into a 4-1 rout, defined by Pedro's brace and Olivier Giroud's clinical finishing. It ended with Giroud's decisive penalty, sealing the victory and serving as his poignant farewell; the French striker would depart for Arsenal just weeks later, leaving behind a second star on Chelsea's European resume. These two titles share a defiant common thread: they were forged by squads often overlooked in the frantic race for domestic dominance or Champions League survival. They highlight a unique period where Chelsea proved that even when the primary target slipped away, a winning mentality could instantly pivot to conquer secondary competitions with ruthless efficiency.

In Their Own Story

In Baku, the air was thick with humidity and history, the stadium lights cutting through a haze that felt heavier than usual. Inside, the roar of the traveling support drowned out the anxiety as Eden Hazard stepped up for his penalty. The ball hit the back of the net, and time seemed to suspend itself before the blue tide erupted in pure, unadulterated relief. It was a stark contrast to Amsterdam years prior; where that night had been defined by the shock of survival, this victory was a statement of dominance. Two nights, two cities separated by six years, but united by a single golden trophy held high by men who knew that in Chelsea's DNA, even the road less traveled leads straight to glory.

Reader's Guide

Chelsea FC's double triumph in the UEFA Europa League remains a unique footnote in English football history, showcasing an elite level of adaptability on the continental stage. The first chapter opened in the 2012-13 season. Following their miraculous Champions League victory the year before, the squad was decimated by departures and injuries. Under interim manager Rafael Benítez—who had arrived amidst fan unrest but left as a hero—Chelsea navigated a brutal knockout path to face Portuguese giants Benfica in Amsterdam, securing a 2-1 victory that completed the club's collection of all major European honors.

Did You Know?

• Chelsea and Manchester United are the only two English clubs to have won all three major UEFA men's club competitions: the European Cup/Champions League, the UEFA Cup/Europa League, and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.
• The 2013 final was the first time a team had played in two consecutive European finals (Champions League and Europa League) since the format changes.
• Olivier Giroud scored a brace including the decisive penalty in the 2019 final, his last goal for Chelsea before moving to Arsenal.
• In the 2013 final, Eden Hazard scored the opening goal via a second-half penalty in the 60th minute, while Branislav Ivanović sealed the win with a late header.