What is Chelsea’s biggest loss of all time?

Cameron Smith

• 23 Apr 2024 22:11 BST
• 2 min read

Chelsea are one of the modern game's biggest sides, but they have not always had it their way - and the past two seasons has been proof of that.

In their first full campaign under the Todd Boehly regime, the Blues performed well below expectations as they finished 12th despite €600 million spent on transfers.

They have been just as poor in the 2023-24 season, with Mauricio Pochettino struggling immensely in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

It is an unprecedented level of underperformance and their recent struggles got us thinking: what are the biggest defeats in Chelsea's history? And do any of this season's results make the list?

This page will showcase Chelsea's record defeats in major competitions.

What is Chelsea's biggest ever defeat in history?

Chelsea's biggest ever loss is by seven goals, a feat that has occurred on three occasions in history.

The first was an 8-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 26 September 1953, the second was a 7-0 defeat to Leeds United on 7 October 1967, and the third was another 7-0 defeat, this time to Nottingham Forest on 20 April 1991.

All three of those games took place in the First Division.

What is Chelsea's biggest ever home defeat in history?

Chelsea's record home defeat of all-time is by four goals. This has happened eight times, with three different scorelines. The Blues have lost 2-6 on three occasions - to Nottingham Forest on 20 September 1986, to Southampton on 2 September 1967, and to Burnley on 22 October 1960.

They have lost 1-5 at home twice - against Watford on 5 May 1986 and Wolverhampton Wanderers on 30 April 1960. Chelsea have also suffered three 4-0 home defeats in history. These came against Wimbledon (6 December 1986), West Ham (29 March 1986), and Sheffield Wednesday (5 December 1959).

What is Chelsea's biggest ever away defeat in history?

Chelsea's biggest away defeat is by seven goals. It's happened three times in history - an 8-1 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers during the 1953/1954 season, and 7-0 defeats to Leeds United (1967/68) and Nottingham Forest (1990/91).

They suffered a humiliating 5-0 loss against Arsenal in April 2024.

What is Chelsea's biggest ever Premier League defeat in history?

The biggest Premier League defeat in Chelsea history came recently against Manchester City. It was a 6-0 loss at The Etihad on 10 February 2019, with Sergio Aguero scoring a hat-trick, Raheem Sterling grabbing a brace, and Ilkay Gundogan scoring the other.

The result signalled the beginning of the end for Maurizio Sarri's time at the club.

What is Chelsea's biggest ever European defeat in history?

Chelsea's largest European loss came against Barcelona in the Fairs Cup, which is now known as the Europa League on 25 May 1966. It was in the semi-final, and after Chelsea brought back a 2-0 deficit in the second-leg, a replay was needed.

Barcelona won the toss to play at home, and ran out 5-0 winners.

What is Chelsea's biggest ever Champions League defeat in history?

Chelsea's heaviest defeat in the Champions League came against Barcelona, just as their biggest European defeat did. This time it was at the quarter-finals stage, and Chelsea suffered a 5-1 loss after extra-time.

They won the first-leg 3-1, but succumbed to their largest ever Champions League defeat in the second-leg. Rivaldo scored twice, while Luis Figo, Dani Garcia, and Patrick Kluivert scored the others.