In 2013, Chelsea Football Club achieved a unique and historic feat: they became the only club to hold both the Champions League and Europa League titles simultaneously, an achievement that stands unmatched in football history.

 

The Journey to Champions League Glory (2012)

 

 

Chelsea’s journey began with their dramatic 2011-12 Champions League campaign, culminating in a fairy-tale victory. Despite a challenging season, the Blues, under interim coach Roberto Di Matteo, fought through a remarkable knockout stage. Chelsea’s finest hour came during the final in Munich, where they faced Bayern Munich on their home ground.

 

 

 

The game ended in a dramatic penalty shootout after Didier Drogba’s 88th-minute equalizer. Chelsea went on to win their first Champions League title in one of the most iconic nights in the club’s history.

Europa League Victory (2013)

 

 

Following their Champions League success, Chelsea struggled in the 2012-13 season, failing to advance past the group stage of the Champions League. This disappointment sent them into the Europa League, a competition they had never previously won.

Under Rafa Benítez, Chelsea took the Europa League seriously and progressed steadily to the final. On May 15, 2013, Chelsea faced Benfica in the final in Amsterdam. Branislav Ivanović's dramatic late header secured a 2-1 victory, marking Chelsea’s first-ever Europa League win.

The Unique Achievement

 

 

Here’s where history was made. Because the Champions League final for the 2012-13 season had yet to be played, Chelsea were still officially the holders of the title when they lifted the Europa League trophy. This meant that, for ten days, Chelsea were both the Champions League and Europa League champions at the same time.

From May 15 until Bayern Munich won the 2013 Champions League final, Chelsea were the reigning champions of both European competitions—a remarkable accomplishment that no other club has achieved.

Legacy of the Double Triumph

 

This unique triumph not only showcased Chelsea’s resilience but also confirmed their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs. Their ability to bounce back after a disappointing Champions League exit and secure more continental silverware exemplified their winning mentality.

To this day, Chelsea remains the only club to hold both the Champions League and Europa League titles simultaneously.

 

Visitors to Stamford Bridge can witness both of these iconic trophies on display during the stadium tour. Be sure to check out our Stamford Bridge tour page for more details about the rich history of Chelsea and doing a tour of Stamford Bridge Stadium.