Chelsea resumes their European campaign with a trip to Denmark, where they will face FC Copenhagen in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League Round of 16. This encounter marks the first meeting between the two sides since their UEFA Champions League clash in 2011.
Historically, Chelsea and Copenhagen have rarely crossed paths, having faced each other only four times. The two meetings prior to 2011 took place in 1998, 13 years before their Champions League showdown. Now, another 14 years later, the rivalry is set to be renewed.
Chelsea boasts an unbeaten record against the Danish club, winning twice and drawing twice while scoring four goals and conceding just one. Their previous encounters took place in the round of 16 of the 2010-11 UEFA Champions League and the second round of the 1998-99 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
1998-99 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Clash
The first-ever meeting between the two sides occurred on October 22, 1998, at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, the reigning Cup Winners’ Cup champions, featured a star-studded squad including Marcel Desailly, Gianfranco Zola, Gus Poyet, and player-manager Gianluca Vialli.
Despite being heavy favorites, the Blues were stunned when Copenhagen took the lead in the 81st minute. However, a last-minute equalizer from Desailly ensured Chelsea salvaged a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
The return leg took place in Denmark in November 1998, where the attendance at Parken Stadium (25,118) surpassed the 21,207 fans at Stamford Bridge in the first leg. Chelsea, undeterred by the hostile atmosphere, secured progression with a 32nd-minute goal from Brian Laudrup. The 1-0 victory gave the Blues a 2-1 aggregate win, sending them through to the next round in their quest to defend the title.