Chelsea are two-time winners of the Champions League, however a moment from before Roman Abramovich’s money is looked upon very fondly by Blues supporters.
Despite the ironic belief that the club only started competing at the top level of Europe upon the arrival of Abramovich and Jose Mourinho, the Blues have history in the Champions League that is very impressive.
The 1999/2000 season was Chelsea’s first amongst Europe’s elite, and they were drawn in a first group stage with heavyweights AC Milan, Hertha Berlin and Galatasaray.
Despite their inexperience in the competition, the Blues topped that group, securing their first placed finish with a 1-1 win away from home against Milan.
Chelsea team group
26 Oct 1999: Chelsea prepare to face AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League Group H match at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy. The game ended 1-1. Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill /Allsport
Dennis Wise’s memorable Champions League goal which sparked iconic Stamford Bridge chant
After falling behind, Dennis Wise found the net in the 77th minute to level the game at the San Siro, helping them finish on 11 points.
Blues fans were on cloud nine throughout the campaign, and the goal in question is still chanted about at Stamford Bridge today.
The song is one of the many iconic parts of a matchday experience at Stamford Bridge, with Madness’ One Step Beyond stemming from their 2012 Champions League victory.
Wise himself has gained somewhat legendary status at the club after 11 years of service, however it was this individual strike that stands above his other 73 in terms of memorable moments.
Dennis Wise
26 Oct 1999: Dennis Wise of Chelsea celebrates a crucial point in the UEFA Champions League Group H match against AC Milan at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy. Wise scored the equaliser as the game ended 1-1. Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill /Allsport
Chelsea’s dramatic 1999/2000 Champions League run in full
After progressing through the first group stage with flying colours, Chelsea also made their way out of the second group stage in second place, despite more tough opposition in the form of Lazio, Feyenoord and Marseille.
This set them up with a mouth-watering tie against Barcelona, and despite racing into a 3-0 lead in the first leg at Stamford Bridge, they were eventually eliminated 6-4 on aggregate.
The Blues would have to wait until the 2003/04 campaign before they were back amongst Europe’s elite again, and they have been close to ever-present in the competition in the following 20+ years.