Chelsea are set to write the next chapter in their long-standing feud with Leeds United when the two sides clash again in the Premier League.
Blues fans of a certain era in particular will hold a disdain for their upcoming opponents after a set of intense matches in the 1960s and 1970s.
What made Chelsea vs Leeds such a fierce rivalry?
“Part of the rivalry was definitely the north-south divide. We were the gritty Yorkshire team and they were the fashionable boys from the Kings Road. Both teams were full of terrific players and a few feisty characters. It got personal during the games.”
Eddie Gray (Leeds 1966-83)
“We knew they were aggrieved. After that it turned into a great rivalry between two very good sides. There was no love lost and the the best example I can give of that was the 1970 FA Cup final – especially the first game, which was one of the fiercest matches I have played in. Nobody held back.”
Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris (Chelsea 1962-80)
“They didn’t intimidate us. That’s why they hated us. There was no other club on the planet we would enjoy beating so much.”
Peter Osgood (Chelsea 1964-74)
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The two sides have not met too often in recent times due to Leeds’ frequent status as a club outside the Premier League, but Chelsea boast the stronger recent head-to-head record.
The Blues have only lost once since 2002 to the Whites, and one of the more recent iconic moments in this feud came when they were 3-2 victors back in 2021.
Chelsea FC v Newcastle United - Premier League
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Cesar Azpilicueta became Chelsea hero after winding up Leeds fans in 2021
Jorginho found the net from the spot in the final moments after doing so earlier in the second half, with the Stamford Bridge crowd collectively breathing a sigh of relief that they had got over the line.
Mason Mount had proven unpopular with the travelling Leeds fans after his exploits with Derby County in the years prior, although club captain Cesar Azpilicueta was the real public enemy number one.
After being subbed off in the second half, the Spaniard blew a kiss to the Leeds supporters as he walked back to the dugout, grabbing his shirt and firing up the opposition’s fans.
He will have been feeling a bit nervous when Joe Geldhart levelled the game after he was replaced, but even more delighted to see his teammate find the net and spark wild celebrations on the pitch.
Chelsea v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Chelsea’s overall record against Leeds
Since the first meeting between the sides back in 1927, the Blues actually have a negative record against the opposition.
Chelsea have won 39 meetings and been defeated in 40, whilst drawing another 30 of the games.
There have been some iconic victories for the Blues though. The 1970 FA Cup, eventually won through a replay, will stand out in many minds.
Why do Chelsea and Leeds hate each other so much?
A rivalry which started in the 1960s, the biggest flashpoint came in the 1970 FA Cup final
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