1996–97 FA Cup The 1997 FA Cup Final took place on 17 May 1997 at Wembley Stadium and was won by Chelsea with a 2–0 victory over Middlesbrough. Di Matteo scored the fastest ever goal in FA Cup Final history 43 seconds after kick-off, beating Jackie Milburn's record from the 1954-1955 final of 45 seconds, which was only beaten in 2009 by Everton's Louis Saha (27.9 seconds). Chelsea were attempting to win their first FA Cup final for 27 years, while Middlesbrough were contesting their first ever final. Chelsea took to the field on the back of something of a renaissance under Dutch
2016–17 Chelsea F.C. season April, having taken the lead through Cesc Fàbregas, Chelsea lost 2–1 at home to South London club Crystal Palace, with all the goals being scored in the first eleven minutes. On 5 April, Chelsea return to winning ways with a 2–1 home win over Manchester City. On 16 April, Manchester United exacted revenge for being eliminated from the FA Cup the previous month with league victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford. On 22 April, Chelsea won their FA Cup semi-final at the neutral venue of Wembley Stadium, despatching Tottenham 4–2. On 25 April, Chelsea were 4–2 winners over Southampton: Eden