Join us as we dive into one of the fiercest rivalries in English football between Chelsea and Liverpool.
We’ll explore the history of this clash, and the 146-year-old stadium that has hosted it countless times, Stamford Bridge.
A history of the Chelsea vs. Liverpool rivalry
The Chelsea vs. Liverpool rivalry is not one based on geography, but a result of competition and controversy.
The rise of Chelsea in the 2000s saw the two sides face each other in competition for titles both domestic and European. These match-ups and some contentious calls from match officials over the course have ensured the two sides have developed an intense rivalry.
The rivalry wasn’t just fierce between the players but managers as Chelsea and Liverpool both brought in new managers during the summer of 2004; Jose Mourinho for Chelsea and Rafael Benitez for Liverpool. The two managers became known for their ruthless nature and when they met in games they were intense encounters.
The rivalry has cooled in recent years, but the feud between players and fans still runs deep.
Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea FC
Stamford Bridge is amongst the oldest football grounds in the country and has been Chelsea FC’s home since their formation in 1905.
But, in its first 27 years, it was used almost exclusively for athletics competitions. It wasn’t until 1904 that the ownership changed, and the new football-enthusiast owners proposed hosting football at the venue.
Initially the stadium was offered to Fulham, but they turned it down and so a new side was established, Chelsea FC. Samford Bridge has since been their fortress, a tough away game for any visiting opponent.
It has had its fair share of struggles, in the 70s the club faced bankruptcy, and the owners sold the stadium to property developers. After a 10-year fight, ownership of the Bridge was returned to Chelsea in 1992 and it has since undergone extensive redevelopment, now seating 40,341 people.
Memorable matches
1. Final day of the season Champions League decider
May 11th, 2003, Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-1 in the final league game of the season. The two teams were tied on 64 points heading into the game, holding 4th and 5th so this would ultimately decide who would clinch Champions League qualification. Thanks to goals from Desailly and Grønkjaer it was The Blues that took victory at The Bridge.
2. Reina red card and Chelsea’s league hopes
In a controversial game that saw Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina receive a red card in the 82nd minute of the game. But the damage was done thanks to Gallas and Crespo and the title was as good as confirmed as Chelsea sat top of the league 15 points clear of United in second place and 21 points ahead of Liverpool.
3. Chelsea puts an end to Liverpool’s history-breaking record
Liverpool travelled to Stamford Bridge in January 2022 hoping to become the first team to win three consecutive league visits at The Bridge since Blackburn Rovers in 1996. Liverpool thought they’d got it in the bag after scoring in the 9th and 26th minutes but just before halftime, Kovačić and Christian Pulisic scored in the 42nd and 45th minutes to bring things to a draw. Neither team got on the score sheet again and Chelsea managed to stop The Reds from breaking history at Stamford Bridge.
Looking ahead
Liverpool do have the edge in terms of winning records, having taken the 86 victories to Chelsea’s 65. But the games always promise to be a battle to the end.
It’s not too late to get your tickets to this year’s clash at Stamford Bridge, you can register your interest in tickets on our Chelsea FC ticket page.
Join us for more stories, updates, and fan experiences at SportsBreaks, where the game never ends, and every match is more than just a game.
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