Have a look at Premier League sides Chelsea vs Leeds United rivalry history, head-to-head and more ahead of their FA Cup clash
Chelsea will now focus on their FA Cup fifth-round matchup against Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, following losses in a record-tying six consecutive domestic cup finals.
Chelsea vs Leads United rivalry explained, history, origin and head to head record and stats
The Blues’ record in the English top tier this season has been inconsistent, as they lost to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday despite defeating Aston Villa 3-1 in the previous round of the FA Cup.
Leeds, on the other hand, has triumphed in 11 of their previous 12 games across all competitions, including a 4-1 FA Cup victory over Plymouth Argyle and a 3-1 league victory over Leicester City over the weekend.
Check out why Chelsea and Leeds United make a winning combination that has endured throughout history ahead of their FA Cup matchup tomorrow.
Chelsea vs Leeds United rivalry
Two English football teams who have seen their fair share of success throughout the years. A match between the two clubs took place in the Second Division on December 10, 1927, with Leeds emerging victorious 5-0. Leeds was founded in 1919, exactly 14 years after Chelsea.
Known as “an almighty clash of brute force” during its peak in the 1970s, the Blues have only lost once in 10 matches since 2003 against this opponent. Still, their rivalry’s source is apparent. Back in the 1960s, when neither team was competing in the top flight (then known as the First Division), the rivalry reached its zenith. Tensions were at an all-time high as they were both vying for first division recognition.
Throughout the early part of the 20th century, the teams played semi-frequently in England’s top two divisions. In the FA Cup fifth round in 1952, Chelsea achieved one of their most well-known victories; a 5-1 victory at Villa Park after a draw that necessitated a second replay.
The seeds of enmity were sown for the next ten years. Leeds won the first Division title in 1968/69 and under great manager Don Revie became a heavyweight power.
As the conflict between the north and south intensified, it’s reasonable to argue that culture had a role in creating one of the most intense rivalries in English history.
It is said to be the origin of the enmity between the Blues and the Whites, with it being called the “most brutal game” in English football history. The height of the rivalry and controversy between the two erupted during their 1970 FA Cup final. It ended 2-2, making it the first FA Cup final to need a replay since 1912. The game took place on April 11, 1970, at Wembley Stadium.
Having placed second and third in the First Division, respectively, Leeds and Chelsea were among the best teams in England that season. Chelsea and Leeds were perceived as “flamboyant” southerners and uncompromising northerners, respectively, and the match represented a confrontation of footballing differences.
Chelsea Leeds , let's get a smile back on our faces pic.twitter.com/lV2zFavqn8
— RoyalBlueChelsea⭐⭐ (@CFCROYALBLUE) February 27, 2024
Chelsea vs Leeds head-to-head
The last six meetings between Chelsea and Leeds United have been in the Premier League.
March 4, 2023
- Chelsea 1 – 0 Leeds
August 21, 2022
- Leeds 3-0 Chelsea
May 11, 2022
- Leeds 0-3 Chelsea
December 11, 2021
- Chelsea 3 – 2 Leeds
March 12, 2021
- Leeds 0-0 Chelsea
December 5, 2020
- Chelsea 3 – 1 Leeds
Chelsea vs Leeds top goal scorers
Chelsea
- Peter Osgood (7)
- John Spencer (4)
- Eidur Gudjohnsen (4)
Leeds United
- Peter Lorimer (7)
- Mick Jones (6)