dailyloe.com – In 2007, the FA Cup final returned to London at the new Wembley Stadium after six years. Chelsea faced Manchester United in a match highlighting two of the best teams in England. The decisive moment came from Didier Drogba, marking the start of his legendary connection with the stadium.
The 2006/07 season was challenging for Chelsea due to numerous injuries, including a serious skull fracture suffered by goalkeeper Petr Cech. Jose Mourinho had to adapt his strategy, often fielding less experienced players like third-choice Hilario in goal. Despite these obstacles, Chelsea fought hard across competitions, winning the League Cup and reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
Chelsea’s FA Cup journey was equally dramatic, featuring a comeback from 3-1 down against Tottenham in the quarter-finals and an extra-time victory over Blackburn, courtesy of Michael Ballack. The new Wembley Stadium, which had opened only months earlier, was the setting for the final, filled with a crowd of 90,000 on a sunny May afternoon.
Mourinho faced the final without several key players, as Ashley Cole and Arjen Robben were only fit for the bench, while Michael Essien filled in for the injured Ricardo Carvalho. Fortunately, John Mikel Obi returned from injury to start in midfield. Mourinho reflected on the significance of the FA Cup Final, stating, ‘The English Cup Final was the game everybody was waiting all year in the country to watch on TV.’
He emphasized the anticipation surrounding the match, noting that it was a unique event where even underdogs had a chance to win. Mourinho contrasted this with his experiences in Portugal, explaining that smaller teams rarely had a belief in winning such finals. The 2007 FA Cup final became a pivotal moment in Chelsea’s history, encapsulating their resilience and determination.
