View source for 1998 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final

{{good article}}
{{Infobox football match
| title                   = 1998 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final
| image                   = [[File:Chelsea–Stuttgart1998CWC.uefa.jpg|frameless]]
| caption                 = Match programme cover
| event                   = [[1997–98 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]]
| team1                   = [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
| team1association        = {{flagicon|ENG|size=30px}}
| team1score              = 1
| team2                   = [[VfB Stuttgart]]
| team2association        = {{flagicon|GER|size=30px}}
| team2score              = 0
| date                    = 13 May 1998
| stadium                 = [[Råsunda Stadium]]
| city                    = [[Stockholm]]
| man_of_the_match1a      = [[Gianfranco Zola]] (Chelsea)
| referee                 = [[Stefano Braschi]] ([[Italian Football Federation|Italy]])
| attendance              = 30,216
| previous                = [[1997 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final|1997]]
| next                    = [[1999 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final|1999]]
}}
The '''1998 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final''' was a [[Association football|football]] match that took place on 13 May 1998 at [[Råsunda Stadium]] in [[Stockholm]], Sweden to determine the winner of the [[1997–98 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]]. It was contested by [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] of England and [[VfB Stuttgart]] of Germany and was the 38th final of what was Europe's second largest football competition at the time.

Both clubs played a total of eight games in four stages to advance to the final. Chelsea had the upper hand in all but two of their encounters, defeating [[Tromsø IL]] with an accumulative score of 9–4 in a two-legged match and edging [[Vicenza Calcio]] by one goal. Stuttgart also enjoyed an advantage in all but two of their meetings, beating [[ÍBV men's football|ÍBV]] 5–2 on aggregate and winning over [[SK Slavia Prague|Slavia Prague]] and [[FC Lokomotiv Moscow|Lokomotiv Moscow]] by two goals.

A crowd of 30,216 were in attendance to witness Chelsea win the match 1–0, with [[Gianfranco Zola]] scoring the winning goal in the second half, seconds after coming on as a substitute. As a result, the English club claimed [[Double (association football)|a cup double]], having previously won the [[1998 Football League Cup final|League Cup]] earlier in the campaign. It was Chelsea's second conquest of the Cup Winners' Cup, adding to their [[1971 European Cup Winners' Cup final|1971 victory]]. By winning the tournament, they also gained qualification for the [[1998 UEFA Super Cup]], which they eventually won.

==Route to the final==
{{further|1997–98 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!colspan="4"|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]
!Round
!colspan="4"|{{flagicon|GER}} [[VfB Stuttgart]]
|-bgcolor="#c1e0ff"
|Opponent
|Agg.
|1st leg
|2nd leg
|Stages
|Opponent
|Agg.
|1st leg
|2nd leg
|-
|align="left"|{{flagicon|SVK}} [[ŠK Slovan Bratislava|Slovan Bratislava]]
|4–0
|2–0 (H)
|2–0 (A)
|bgcolor="#c1e0ff"|[[1997–98 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup#First round|First round]]
|align="left"|{{flagicon|ISL}} [[ÍBV men's football|ÍBV]]
|5–2
|3–1 (A)
|2–1 (H)
|-
|align="left"|{{flagicon|NOR}} [[Tromsø IL]]
|9–4
|2–3 (A)
|7–1 (H)
|bgcolor="#c1e0ff"|[[1997–98 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup#Second round|Second round]]
|align="left"|{{flagicon|BEL}} [[Beerschot AC|Germinal Ekeren]]
|6–4
|4–0 (A)
|2–4 (H)
|-
|align="left"|{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Real Betis]]
|5–2
|2–1 (A)
|3–1 (H)
|bgcolor="#c1e0ff"|[[1997–98 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup#Quarter-finals|Quarter-finals]]
|align="left"|{{flagicon|CZE}} [[SK Slavia Prague|Slavia Prague]]
|3–1
|1–1 (A)
|2–0 (H)
|-
|align="left"|{{flagicon|ITA}} [[LR Vicenza|Vicenza]]
|3–2
|0–1 (A)
|3–1 (H)
|bgcolor="#c1e0ff"|[[1997–98 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup#Semi-finals|Semi-finals]]
|align="left"|{{flagicon|RUS}} [[FC Lokomotiv Moscow|Lokomotiv Moscow]]
|3–1
|2–1 (H)
|1–0 (A)
|}

===Chelsea===
Chelsea earned automatic qualification as the [[1996–97 FA Cup|1996–97 season]] winners of England's yearly competition, the [[FA Cup]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Di Matteo's early stunner sets up Chelsea win |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=19970518&id=6fxOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GRUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4643,2590513 |newspaper=New Straits Times |date=18 May 1997 |access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref> In the first round of the event, they were drawn against [[ŠK Slovan Bratislava|Slovan Bratislava]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Refs rule in Europe warns Gullit |url=http://www.fa-carling.com/news9798/cfc/c30089701.html |work=FA Carling Premiership |date=30 August 1997 |access-date=30 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990220173831/http://www.fa-carling.com/news9798/cfc/c30089701.html |archive-date=20 February 1999}}</ref> Both matches resulted in 2–0 wins for the English outfit; the first leg took place at [[Stamford Bridge (stadium)|Stamford Bridge]],<ref>{{cite news|first=Steve |last=Tongue |title=Granville puts gloss on Chelsea's show |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000120658411022&rtmo=32cfff5b&atmo=32cfff5b&P4_FOLLOW_ON=/97/9/19/sfgche19.html&pg=/et/97/9/19/sfgche19.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=18 September 1997 |access-date=30 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000115002223/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000120658411022&rtmo=32cfff5b&atmo=32cfff5b&P4_FOLLOW_ON=%2F97%2F9%2F19%2Fsfgche19.html&pg=%2Fet%2F97%2F9%2F19%2Fsfgche19.html |archive-date=15 January 2000 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the second at [[Tehelné pole]], as they won 4–0 in total.<ref>{{cite news |first=Martin |last=Lipton |title=Vialli's bum note is sweet music for Chelsea |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-viallis-bum-note-is-sweet-music-for-chelsea-1233705.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-viallis-bum-note-is-sweet-music-for-chelsea-1233705.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |work=The Independent |date=3 October 1997 |access-date=30 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Chelsea then faced [[Tromsø IL]] in the second round.<ref name="second round draw">{{cite news |title=A small matter of a replay |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/a-small-matter-of-a-replay-1.376743 |work=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]] |date=4 October 1997 |access-date=21 January 2015}}</ref> They lost the first leg by 2–3 which took place at [[Alfheim Stadion]], with [[Gianluca Vialli]] registering a brace.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chelsea frozen out |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/15233.stm |work=BBC News |date=24 October 1997 |access-date=30 August 2014}}</ref> In the home leg, Chelsea beat Tromsø 7–1, during which Vialli scored a hat-trick; the other goals were scored by [[Dan Petrescu]], who contributed with a double, [[Gianfranco Zola]] and [[Frank Leboeuf]] to ensure an amassed score of 9–4.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Rowbottom |title=Tromso are trounced as Vialli warms to the task |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-tromso-are-trounced-as-vialli-warms-to-the-task-1292616.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-tromso-are-trounced-as-vialli-warms-to-the-task-1292616.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |work=The Independent |date=7 November 1997 |access-date=30 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In the quarter-finals, Chelsea clashed with [[Real Betis]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Walters |title=All Betis are off as Ruud faces Real test |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ALL+BETIS+ARE+OFF+AS+RUUD+FACES+REAL+TEST.-a061048331 |work=Daily Mirror |date=18 December 1997 |access-date=30 August 2014}}</ref> The opening game at [[Estadio Benito Villamarín|Estadio Manuel Ruíz de Lopera]] was won with 2–1 after a [[Tore André Flo]] double,<ref>{{cite news|first=David |last=Miller |title=Vialli's ploy pays off after Flo delivers swift double |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000120658411022&rtmo=flrrYf3s&atmo=99999999&P4_FOLLOW_ON=/98/3/6/sfgche06.html&pg=/et/98/3/6/sfgche06.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=5 March 1998 |access-date=30 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000517233451/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000120658411022&rtmo=flrrYf3s&atmo=99999999&P4_FOLLOW_ON=%2F98%2F3%2F6%2Fsfgche06.html&pg=%2Fet%2F98%2F3%2F6%2Fsfgche06.html |archive-date=17 May 2000 |url-status=dead }}</ref> before a 3–1 win at home with goals signed by [[Frank Sinclair]], [[Roberto Di Matteo]] and Zola were enough to hand Chelsea an overall 5–2 victory.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chelsea keep European hopes alive |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/67546.stm |work=BBC News |date=19 March 1998 |access-date=30 August 2014}}</ref> Their opposition in the semi-finals was Italian side [[LR Vicenza|Vicenza]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Chelsea to meet Vicenza |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/67745.stm |work=BBC News |date=20 March 1998 |access-date=30 August 2014}}</ref> Chelsea lost the away fixture 0–1, at [[Stadio Romeo Menti]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Glenn |last=Moore |title=Zauli punishes careless Chelsea |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-zauli-punishes-careless-chelsea-1154193.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-zauli-punishes-careless-chelsea-1154193.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |work=The Independent |date=3 April 1998 |access-date=30 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> They ended the round with a 3–1 home victory, following goals by [[Gus Poyet]], Zola and [[Mark Hughes]] to send them through to their second final.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chelsea storm back to reach final |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/79286.stm |work=BBC News |date=16 April 1998 |access-date=30 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="chelseastuttgart">{{cite news |title=Chelsea to play Stuttgart in second European Final |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/79432.stm |work=BBC News |date=17 April 1998 |access-date=10 June 2016}}</ref>

===VfB Stuttgart===
VfB Stuttgart received a place in the tournament, following their celebrations in the [[1996–97 DFB-Pokal|1996–97 campaign]], of the [[DFB-Pokal|German Cup]], Germany's annual cup contest.<ref>{{cite news |title=Élber double clinches cup for Stuttgart |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=19970615&id=Xy1PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eiEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5996,5129838 |newspaper=New Straits Times |date=16 June 1997 |access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref> Starting in the round of 32, the Germans were pitted against [[ÍBV men's football|ÍBV]].<ref>{{cite news |title=ÍBV mætir Stuttgart |url=http://www.mbl.is/greinasafn/grein/350874/ |work=Morgunblaðið |date=30 August 1997 |access-date=30 August 2014 |language=is}}</ref> They rounded off the first tie, by completing a 3–1 win at [[Hásteinsvöllur]],<ref>{{cite news |title=IB Vestmannaeyjar 1:3 VfB Stuttgart – Spielbericht |url=https://www.kicker.de/vestmannaeyjar-gegen-stuttgart-1997-europapokal-der-pokalsieger-501361/spielbericht |work=Kicker |date=18 September 1997 |access-date=30 August 2014 |language=de}}</ref> before a 2–1 victory at the [[MHPArena|Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion]] was enough to see them through with 5–2.<ref>{{cite news |title=VfB Stuttgart 2:1 IB Vestmannaeyjar |url=https://www.kicker.de/stuttgart-gegen-vestmannaeyjar-1997-europapokal-der-pokalsieger-501377/spielbericht |work=Kicker |date=2 October 1997 |access-date=30 August 2014 |language=de}}</ref>

As Stuttgart entered the second round, they were up against [[Beerschot AC|Germinal Ekeren]].<ref name="second round draw"/> They won the first leg 4–0 at Veltwijckstadion with [[Fredi Bobic]] and [[Jonathan Akpoborie]] each scoring twice.<ref>{{cite news |first=Torsten |last=Rumpf |title=Torfabrik arbeitet auf Hochtouren |url=http://archiv.rhein-zeitung.de/on/97/10/24/sport/news/stutt.html |work=[[Rhein-Zeitung]] |date=24 October 1997 |access-date=30 August 2014 |language=de}}</ref> In the return game, Stuttgart suffered a 2–4 loss, but regardless of this, goals from [[Frank Verlaat]] and [[Gerhard Poschner]] ensured they won the stage 6–4.<ref>{{cite news |first=Oliver |last=Trust |title=VfB-"Gummimännchen" blamierten sich |url=http://archiv.rhein-zeitung.de/on/97/11/07/sport/news/stutt.html |work=Rhein-Zeitung |date=7 November 1997 |access-date=30 August 2014 |language=de |archive-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903092416/http://archiv.rhein-zeitung.de/on/97/11/07/sport/news/stutt.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=VfB Stuttgart 2:4 KFC Germinal Ekeren – Spielbericht |url=https://www.kicker.de/stuttgart-gegen-berrschot-ac-1997-europapokal-der-pokalsieger-501386/spielbericht |work=Kicker |date=6 November 1997 |access-date=31 August 2014 |language=de}}</ref>

In the quarter-finals, [[SK Slavia Prague|Slavia Prague]] were Stuttgart's next opponents.<ref>{{cite news |title=German flavor in quarters; Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund |url=http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1997/German-flavor-in-quarters-Bayern-Munich-vs-Borussia-Dortmund/id-858cfd9bb343cddc8ead865bc392dd97 |agency=Associated Press |date=17 December 1997 |access-date=31 August 2014}}</ref> The away leg at [[Stadion Evžena Rošického]] ended in a 1–1 draw following a Poschner goal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stuttgart schaffte 1:1 bei Slavia Prag |url=http://www.neues-deutschland.de/artikel/702834.stuttgart-schaffte-1-1-bei-slavia-prag.html |work=Neues Deutschland |date=7 March 1998 |access-date=31 August 2014 |language=de}}</ref> Back on German soil, Stuttgart won 2–0 after [[Krasimir Balakov]] scored two goals, giving them a 3–1 overall win.<ref>{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Briggs |title=Bayern baying for local relief |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-bayern-baying-for-local-relief-1151821.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-bayern-baying-for-local-relief-1151821.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Independent |date=22 March 1998 |access-date=31 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In the semi-finals, Stuttgart were drawn against [[FC Lokomotiv Moscow|Lokomotiv Moscow]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Catherine |last=Riley |title=Chelsea to face Italian challenge |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/football-chelsea-to-face-italian-challenge-1151518.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/football-chelsea-to-face-italian-challenge-1151518.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |work=The Independent |date=21 March 1998 |access-date=31 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The first home leg ended 2–1 to the German side, with Bobic finding the winning goal late; the first was netted by Akpoborie.<ref>{{cite news |first=Stephan |last=Speicher |title=Bobic erlöst Stuttgart in der Nachspielzeit |url=http://www.berliner-zeitung.de/archiv/vfb-faehrt-mit-einem-2-1-im-ruecken-zu-lok-moskau-bobic-erloest-stuttgart-in-der-nachspielzeit,10810590,9416198.html |work=Berliner Zeitung |date=3 April 1998 |access-date=31 August 2014 |language=de}}</ref> At [[Lokomotiv Stadium (Moscow)|Lokomotiv Stadium]], Bobic once again managed to score, during the first half, which proved to be decisive as Stuttgart won 1–0 and the concluding tie 3–1 to proceed to the final.<ref>{{cite news |first=Gennady |last=Fyodorov |title=Stuttgart ends Lokomotiv's run 1–0 |url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/stuttgart-ends-lokomotivs-run-1-0/292106.html |work=The Moscow Times |date=17 April 1998 |access-date=31 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="chelseastuttgart"/>

==Pre-match==

===Background===
Both Chelsea and Stuttgart ended their seasons in fourth place of their respective leagues, the [[1997–98 FA Premier League|FA Premier League]] and the [[1997–98 Bundesliga|Bundesliga]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/matchday/league-table.html?season=1997-1998&month=MAY&timelineView=date&toDate=894754800000&tableView=CURRENT_STANDINGS |title=League table |work=Premier League |access-date=9 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/spieltag/1-bundesliga/1997-98/0/0/spieltag.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090725095044/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/spieltag/1-bundesliga/1997-98/0/0/spieltag.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 25, 2009 |title=1. Bundesliga – Spieltag / Tabelle |work=Bundesliga |access-date=9 September 2014 |language=de}}</ref> Chelsea beat [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] 2–0 on the last matchday,<ref>{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Rowbottom |title=Bolton's valiant efforts end in vain |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-boltons-valiant-efforts-end-in-vain-1160342.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-boltons-valiant-efforts-end-in-vain-1160342.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Independent |date=11 May 1998 |access-date=9 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> while Stuttgart oversaw a 1–0 win over [[SV Werder Bremen|Werder Bremen]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Der letzte spieltag |url=http://www.berliner-zeitung.de/archiv/der-letzte-spieltag,10810590,9429548.html |work=Berliner Zeitung |date=11 May 1998 |access-date=9 September 2014 |language=de}}</ref> Both sides also progressed in their cup competitions – Chelsea lost against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] with three to five in the [[1997–98 FA Cup#Third round proper|1997–98 FA Cup third round]],<ref>{{cite news |first=Glenn |last=Moore |title=United expose Chelsea challenge as a sham |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-expose-chelsea-challenge-as-a-sham-1136832.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-expose-chelsea-challenge-as-a-sham-1136832.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Independent |date=5 January 1998 |access-date=1 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> but found success with a 2–0 victory over [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] in the [[1998 Football League Cup final]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Glenn |last=Moore |title=Chelsea cruelly expose Boro fault lines |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/chelsea-cruelly-expose-boro-fault-lines-1262302.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/chelsea-cruelly-expose-boro-fault-lines-1262302.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Independent |date=19 May 1997 |access-date=1 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Stuttgart saw themselves overrun 0–2 by [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] in the [[1997 DFB-Ligapokal final|1997 German League Cup final]],<ref>{{cite news |first=Alex |last=Yannis |title=Soccer report |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/29/sports/soccer-report.html |work=The New York Times |date=29 July 1997 |access-date=31 August 2014}}</ref> only to succumb to Bayern again with a 0–3 deficit in the [[1997–98 DFB-Pokal#Semi-final|1997–98 German Cup semi-final]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Jörg |last=Kottmeier |title=Pokal-Gala folgt Kampfansage |url=http://archiv.rhein-zeitung.de/on/98/02/18/sport/news/bayern2.html |work=Rhein-Zeitung |date=18 February 1998 |access-date=1 September 2014 |language=de |archive-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903093242/http://archiv.rhein-zeitung.de/on/98/02/18/sport/news/bayern2.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Chelsea and Stuttgart faced each other for the first time in European football.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=536&team2_id=2682&teamTabs=h2h |title=Head-to-head v Stuttgart |work=Soccerbase |publisher=Racing Post |access-date=1 September 2014}}</ref> The English side were appearing in their second Cup Winners' Cup final, having won the tournament in [[1971 European Cup Winners' Cup final|1971]],<ref>{{cite news |first=Nick |last=Callow |title=Chelsea banish forward thinking |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-chelsea-banish-forward-thinking-1160270.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-chelsea-banish-forward-thinking-1160270.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |work=The Independent |date=10 May 1998 |access-date=1 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> while Stuttgart made their debut.<ref>{{cite news |first=Stephen |last=Wade |title=European soccer roundup |url=http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1998/European-Soccer-Roundup/id-8277eacdcc16f65b21c250a5c858813e |agency=Associated Press |date=16 April 1998 |access-date=1 September 2014}}</ref> Chelsea had met German clubs once, in the [[1965–66 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup|1965–66 season]] of the [[Inter-Cities Fairs Cup]] against [[TSV 1860 München|1860 Munich]]<ref name="head-to-head">{{cite web |first=Erik |last=Frankhuizen |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesd/duit-ec.html |title=German clubs in European Cups |website=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |date=27 April 2004 |access-date=1 September 2014}}</ref> – Chelsea advanced to the next round after managing a 2–2 stalemate at the [[Grünwalder Stadion]],<ref>{{cite news |first=Albert |last=Barham |title=Chelsea's prospects are bright thanks to Tambling's goals |newspaper=The Guardian |page=12 |date=16 March 1966}}</ref> and a 1–0 home win.<ref>{{cite news |first=Albert |last=Barham |title=Osgood takes Chelsea into semi-finals |newspaper=The Guardian |page=4 |date=30 March 1966}}</ref>

Stuttgart had been pitted against English clubs on two meetings of the same competition, the former over [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] in the [[1966–67 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup|following season]].<ref name="head-to-head"/> The Germans were knocked out in the opening stage, after being held 1–1, in the first game at [[Neckarstadion]],<ref>{{cite news |first=Albert |last=Barham |title=Burnley's errors cost them fine chance of a first-leg lead |newspaper=The Guardian |page=16 |date=21 September 1966}}</ref> before following up with a 0–2 loss at [[Turf Moor]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Albert |last=Barham |title=Stuttgart's brave efforts cannot deter Burnley |newspaper=The Guardian |page=4 |date=28 September 1966}}</ref> The latter was opposite [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]], in the [[1992–93 UEFA Champions League|1992–93 season]] of the UEFA Champions League;<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=Shaw |title=Stuttgart stumbling block for Leeds |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-stuttgart-stumbling-block-for-leeds-1533464.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-stuttgart-stumbling-block-for-leeds-1533464.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |work=The Independent |date=16 July 1992 |access-date=1 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> the club saw themselves be eliminated in the same fashion, as they won 3–0 at home,<ref>{{cite news |first=Joe |last=Lovejoy |title=Walter rallies to leave Leeds a daunting task |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-walter-rallies-to-leave-leeds-a-daunting-task-1551954.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-walter-rallies-to-leave-leeds-a-daunting-task-1551954.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |work=The Independent |date=17 September 1992 |access-date=1 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> before losing the second leg 4–1.<ref>{{cite news |first=Joe |last=Lovejoy |title=Leeds just one goal short in epic fightback: Stuttgart's precious away goal |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/european-football-leeds-just-one-goal-short-in-epic-fightback-stuttgarts-precious-away-goal-1554830.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/european-football-leeds-just-one-goal-short-in-epic-fightback-stuttgarts-precious-away-goal-1554830.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Independent |date=1 October 1992 |access-date=1 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> However, Leeds were awarded an automatic 3–0 win, after Stuttgart were found to have fielded an ineligible player.<ref>{{cite news |first=Joe |last=Lovejoy |title=German gaffe puts Leeds back in Europe |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-german-gaffe-puts-leeds-back-in-europe-1555012.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-german-gaffe-puts-leeds-back-in-europe-1555012.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |work=The Independent |date=2 October 1992 |access-date=1 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> A play-off in [[Camp Nou]] was required to decide the round,<ref>{{cite news |first=Henry |last=Winter |title=Leeds at full strength for Barcelona |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-leeds-at-full-strength-for-barcelona-1555853.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-leeds-at-full-strength-for-barcelona-1555853.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Independent |date=7 October 1992 |access-date=1 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> which Stuttgart fell with 1–2.<ref>{{cite news |first=Joe |last=Lovejoy |title=Leeds celebrate open and Shutt case |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-leeds-celebrate-open-and-shutt-case-1556637.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-leeds-celebrate-open-and-shutt-case-1556637.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Independent |date=10 October 1992 |access-date=1 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Ticketing===
Both teams were each given 12,000 tickets<ref name="ticketing">{{cite news |title=Chelsea, Stuttgart clash after seesaw season |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/chelsea-stuttgart-clash-after-seesaw-season.aspx?pageID=438&n=chelsea-stuttgart-clash-after-seesaw-season-1998-05-13 |work=Hürriyet Daily News |agency=Reuters |date=13 May 1998 |access-date=1 August 2014}}</ref> – the remaining 6,000 tickets were released, for purchase to the Swedish people.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rogue tickets spark Chelsea final fears |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ROGUE+TICKETS+SPARK+CHELSEA+FINAL+FEARS.-a060683805 |work=Daily Mirror |publisher=The Free Library |date=21 April 1998 |access-date=1 August 2014}}</ref> However, Stuttgart decided to send 11,000 of their 12,000 tickets back to UEFA, due to the German club's supporters finding it difficult to make their way to the country, as well as the absence of air flights available.<ref name="ticketing"/> Subsequently, none of the unsold tickets were granted for Chelsea and its followers;<ref>{{cite news |title=Chelsea fans ignored as Stuttgart return tickets |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Chelsea+fans+ignored+as+Stuttgart+return+tickets.-a060785961 |work=The Birmingham Post |publisher=The Free Library |date=29 April 1998 |access-date=1 August 2014}}</ref> the consequences proved worse, when Stuttgart announced that they had issued tickets alone for those who had ordered the more higher-priced package. Thousands of these tickets made their way onto the black market and were snapped up by Chelsea fans. On the day of the match it was estimated that at least 25,000 of the 30,000 crowd were Chelsea fans. With most flying out from England, it also represented the largest airlift of people from the UK for a single event since World War II.<ref>{{cite news |first=Harry |last=Harris |title=Ticket farce lets in touts |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ticket+farce+lets+in+touts.-a060684967 |work=Daily Mirror |publisher=The Free Library |date=29 April 1998 |access-date=3 September 2014}}</ref>

===Venue===
[[File:Råsunda February 2013 01.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The 1998 final was held at [[Råsunda Stadium]].]]
[[Råsunda Stadium]] was revealed as the official venue of the final in December 1997.<ref>{{cite news |title=Amsterdam, Paris, Stockholm to stage European finals |url=http://www.nando.net/newsroom/sports/oth/1997/oth/soc/feat/archive/121697/soc54867.html |work=Nando |agency=Reuters |date=16 December 1997 |access-date=27 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990224104459/http://www.nando.net/newsroom/sports/oth/1997/oth/soc/feat/archive/121697/soc54867.html |archive-date=24 February 1999}}</ref> Located in [[Solna Municipality|Solna]], [[Stockholm]], the stadium opened its doors to the public in 1937,<ref name="rasunda">{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/stadiums/stadium=5002615/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817114448/http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/stadiums/stadium=5002615/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 17, 2014 |title=Rasunda Stadium |work=FIFA.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |access-date=5 August 2014}}</ref> and was used by the [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden national team]] for their games in the [[1958 FIFA World Cup]], including the [[1958 FIFA World Cup Final|final]], as well as most of their general ties.<ref>{{cite news |title=Råsunda 1937–2012: En sagolik historia |url=https://svenskfotboll.se/arkiv/svensk-fotboll/2012/12/rasunda-19372012-en-sagolik-historia/ |work=Swedish Football Association |date=20 December 2012 |access-date=8 September 2014 |language=sv}}</ref> Råsunda also held four of the national team's fixtures, in the [[UEFA Euro 1992|1992 European Championship]],<ref>"Råsunda Stadium leaflet" (13 May 1998) ''UEFA.com''. Union of European Football Associations, Swedish Football Association. p. 2. Retrieved 23 September 2014.</ref> and the [[1995 FIFA Women's World Cup Final]];<ref>{{cite news |first=Doug |last=Cress |title=Norway women win World Cup |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1995/06/19/norway-women-win-world-cup/ |work=Chicago Tribune |date=19 June 1995 |access-date=8 September 2014}}</ref> it was also the home base of [[AIK Fotboll|AIK]]'s matches,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aikfotboll.se/TextPage.aspx?textPageID=1038 |title=About AIK in English |work=Allmänna Idrottsklubben |access-date=8 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127110737/http://www.aikfotboll.se/TextPage.aspx?textPageID=1038 |archive-date=27 November 2011}}</ref> until demolishment plans began in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |first=Philip |last=O'Connor |title=Pele and teammates bid farewell to Råsunda Stadium |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-sweden-brazil-idUKL4E8JE40Y20120814 |work=Reuters |date=14 August 2012 |access-date=9 August 2014}}</ref> For the final, Råsunda had a capacity of generally 35,000.<ref name="match_information">{{cite news |first=Oliver |last=Trust |title=. . . Ohrfeige ohne Konsequenzen |url=http://archiv.rhein-zeitung.de/on/98/05/12/sport/news/vfb.html |work=Rhein-Zeitung |date=12 May 1998 |access-date=7 September 2014 |language=de |archive-date=7 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907143321/http://archiv.rhein-zeitung.de/on/98/05/12/sport/news/vfb.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Match ball===
[[Adidas Tricolore]] was the match ball of the final.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gettyimages.se/detail/nyhetsfoto/football-uefa-cup-winners-cup-final-stockholm-sweden-13th-nyhetsfoto/79048573 |title=UEFA Cup Winners Cup Final. Stockholm, Sweden. 13 May 1998. Chelsea 1 v Stuttgart 0. Stuttgart's Gerhard Poschner races away chased by Chelsea's Frank LeBoeuf |work=Getty Images |date=13 May 1998 |access-date=2 September 2014 |language=sv}}</ref> It was the sixteenth edition in the Adidas football series; the name "Tricolore" translates to "three-coloured" and contains a tricolour crest and a cockerel, along with French classic themes which were used as influences, for the ball's construction, to illustrate the nation's flag.<ref name="ball">{{cite news |title=1998: adidas Tricolore |url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/germany2006/news/newsid=28402/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817125120/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/germany2006/news/newsid=28402/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 17, 2014 |work=FIFA.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |date=24 June 2006 |access-date=9 August 2014}}</ref> The Tricolore became the first ball available in different colours and was later introduced at that year's [[1998 FIFA World Cup|World Cup]].<ref name="ball"/> It was the last ball to carry the vintage [[Adidas Tango|Tango]] layout.<ref name="ball_infomation">{{cite news |title=World Cup A–Z: Balls |url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/worldcup/20140518/world-cup-a-z-balls_2306378_3835926 |work=The Football League |date=18 May 2014 |access-date=9 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810165815/http://www.football-league.co.uk/worldcup/20140518/world-cup-a-z-balls_2306378_3835926 |archive-date=10 August 2014 }}</ref>

===Match officials===
[[Stefano Braschi]] from the [[Italian Football Federation]], was appointed to officiate the final,<ref name="che-stu line-ups">{{cite journal |date=13 May 1998 |title=Team Line-ups – Chelsea-Stuttgart |publisher=UEFA}}</ref> making it his first time to decide a closing match in a European contest.<ref name="matches_list">{{cite web |title=Palmares for Stefano Braschi |url=http://worldreferee.com/site/copy.php?linkID=814&linkType=referee&contextType=stats |work=Worldreferee.com |access-date=12 August 2014 |archive-date=2 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090102015944/http://worldreferee.com/site/copy.php?linkID=814&linkType=referee&contextType=stats |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was recognised as a professional [[Serie A]] referee in 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aia-prato.it/it/la-sezione/la-nostra-storia/ |title=La Nostra Storia |work=AIA Prato |publisher=Italian Football Federation |access-date=12 August 2014 |language=it}}</ref> The Italian took charge of his first European fixture in a [[1996 UEFA Intertoto Cup]] group stage meeting between [[Lierse S.K. (1906)|Lierse]] and [[FC Groningen|Groningen]].<ref name="matches_list"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Na Heerenveen kan ook Groningen de Europese aspiraties laten varen |url=http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/5009/Archief/archief/article/detail/2534062/1996/07/22/Na-Heerenveen-kan-ook-Groningen-de-Europese-aspiraties-laten-varen.dhtml |work=Trouw |agency=Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau |date=22 July 1996 |access-date=29 September 2014 |language=nl}}</ref> The same year, Braschi made [[FIFA International Referees List|FIFA's international referees list]];<ref>{{cite news |title=Stefano Braschi di Prato |url=http://www.aialivorno.it/braschi.asp |work=AIA Sezione di Livorno |access-date=1 September 2014 |language=it |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903093723/http://www.aialivorno.it/braschi.asp |archive-date=3 September 2014 }}</ref> he debuted in February 1997 in an [[Israel national football team|Israel]]–[[Germany national football team|Germany]] friendly.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eu-football.info/_referee.php?id=316 |title=Stefano Braschi profile |work=EU-football.info |access-date=12 August 2014}}</ref> Before the final, he had been the match official in four Champions League and two UEFA Cup matches (including one qualifier), as well as four international friendlies.<ref name="matches_list"/> Braschi was accompanied by an all-Italian team, which was made up of assistant referees Gennaro Mazzei and Pietro Contente – the reserve referee was unveiled as Livio Bazzoli.<ref name="che-stu line-ups"/>

==Broadcasting==
The final was screened in 144 countries worldwide, with over 250 million viewers expected to follow the game.<ref name="match_information"/> In the United Kingdom, the event was covered by [[BBC One]],<ref>{{cite news |first=Lee |last=West |title=Beeb to screen Chelsea final |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BEEB+TO+SCREEN+CHELSEA+FINAL.-a060683240 |work=Daily Mirror |publisher=The Free Library |date=18 April 1998 |access-date=4 August 2014}}</ref> after winning the television rights over [[Channel 5 (UK)|Channel 5]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Channel 5 lose out in Chelsea final |url=http://soccernet.com/english/news/ENG-CFC--3238-31798.HTM |work=ESPN Soccernet |date=17 April 1998 |access-date=1 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980419012904/http://soccernet.com/english/news/ENG-CFC--3238-31798.HTM |archive-date=19 April 1998}}</ref> In German television, [[ARD (broadcaster)|ARD]] were committed to the final;<ref>{{cite news |title=Mittwoch, 13. Mai |url=http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-7743359.html |work=Der Spiegel |publisher=Spiegel-Verlag |date=11 May 1998 |access-date=5 August 2014 |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Schon I'm Mai |url=http://kress.de/alle/detail/beitrag/4025.html |work=Kressrapport |date=14 May 1998 |access-date=5 August 2014 |language=de}}</ref> viewer figures were reported to be an estimate 8.9 million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mit Fußball-Europapokal ind dem "Brennpunkt" erobert ARD den Fernsehabend |url=https://www.mediabiz.de/news/mit-fussball-europapokal-und-dem-brennpunkt-erobert-ard-den-fernsehabend/34674/1617 |work=Mediabiz.de |date=14 May 1998 |access-date=9 August 2014 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811202101/https://www.mediabiz.de/news/mit-fussball-europapokal-und-dem-brennpunkt-erobert-ard-den-fernsehabend/34674/1617 |archive-date=11 August 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In Sweden, [[SVT1]] and [[SVT2]], the two channels of the television network [[Sveriges Television]], jointly televised the match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://smdb.kb.se/catalog/id/001747798 |title=SVT, SVT1 1998–05–13 |work=Svensk mediedatabas (Swedish Media Database) |access-date=9 August 2014 |language=sv}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://smdb.kb.se/catalog/id/001747882 |title=SVT, SVT2 1998–05–13 |work=Svensk mediedatabas (Swedish Media Database) |access-date=9 August 2014 |language=sv}}</ref>

==Match==
===Team selection===
Chelsea centre back [[Frank Sinclair]] and left back [[Graeme Le Saux]] were both sidelined for the final due to their [[Calf (anatomy)|calf]] injuries,<ref name="injuries">{{cite news |first=Phil |last=Shaw |title=Zola's instant impact for Chelsea |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-zolas-instant-impact-for-chelsea-1160022.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-zolas-instant-impact-for-chelsea-1160022.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |work=The Independent |date=14 May 1998 |access-date=7 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Zola's return gives Vialli a Euro boost |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/zolas-return-gives-vialli-a-euro-boost-26186701.html |work=Irish Independent |date=13 May 1998 |access-date=7 September 2014}}</ref> causing [[Player-coach|player-manager]] Vialli to swap them with [[Michael Duberry]],<ref name="preparations">{{cite news |title=Chelsea prepare for Euro glory |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/91693.stm |work=BBC News |date=12 May 1998 |access-date=7 September 2014}}</ref> and [[Danny Granville]], who had recovered from an [[abscess]] pain.<ref name="injuries"/> Central midfielder Poyet was also included in the starting line-up to join captain [[Dennis Wise]], after returning from a damaged [[cruciate ligament]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=Shaw |title=Chelsea wait for Zola and worry over pitch |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-chelsea-wait-for-zola-and-worry-over-pitch-1159847.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-chelsea-wait-for-zola-and-worry-over-pitch-1159847.html |archive-date=2022-05-01 |url-access=subscription |work=The Independent |date=13 May 1998 |access-date=10 September 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Together with forward and lead goalscorer Vialli, Flo began in the attack, instead of Zola,<ref name="injuries"/> who was named as a substitute,<ref name="match_history">{{cite news |title=Super-sub Zola inspires Chelsea |url=http://www.uefa.com/NewsData/ECWC/Replay/indexp.asp?News=2052 |publisher=UEFA |date=8 May 1999 |access-date=7 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000115112849/http://www.uefa.com/NewsData/ECWC/Replay/indexp.asp?News=2052 |archive-date=15 January 2000}}</ref> despite making an improvement from his damaged [[groin]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Chelsea, Stuttgart clash after seesaw season |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/chelsea-stuttgart-clash-after-seesaw-season.aspx?pageID=438&n=chelsea-stuttgart-clash-after-seesaw-season-1998-05-13 |work=Hürriyet Daily News |agency=Reuters |date=13 May 1998 |access-date=12 September 2014}}</ref> sustained in a league fixture against [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] in April.<ref>{{cite news|first=Steve |last=Curry |title=Unstoppable Hughes leads Chelsea romp |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000120658411022&rtmo=LdGdSt7d&atmo=99999999&pg=/et/98/4/26/sfgche26.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=26 April 1998 |access-date=12 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000310081339/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000120658411022&rtmo=LdGdSt7d&atmo=99999999&pg=%2Fet%2F98%2F4%2F26%2Fsfgche26.html |archive-date=10 March 2000 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Stuttgart suffered from no player injuries, but defenders [[Frank Verlaat]] and [[Martin Spanring]]'s bans, prevented them from taking part in the game,<ref name="preparations"/> leading to manager [[Joachim Löw]] to replace Verlaat, with midfielder [[Murat Yakin]] as [[Libero (football)|libero]],<ref name="match">{{cite news |first=Rob |last=Hughes |title=European soccer: Tiny Zola hits big time again |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/05/15/sports/15iht-soccer.t_9.html |work=The New York Times |date=15 May 1998 |access-date=2 September 2014}}</ref> and [[Thomas Berthold]] taking over Spanring's role in the middle.<ref name="match_information"/>

===Summary===
====First half====
Chelsea's goalscoring chance came in the fifth minute when Poyet found Di Matteo, who fumbled his opportunity as it went over the goal.<ref name="report">{{cite news|first=Henry |last=Winter |title=Zola has instant impact as Chelsea fly the flag |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000118821741741&rtmo=gVVjVkYu&atmo=99999999&P4_FOLLOW_ON=/98/5/14/sfgche14.html&pg=/et/98/5/14/sfgche14.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=14 May 1998 |access-date=29 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990921061320/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000118821741741&rtmo=gVVjVkYu&atmo=99999999&P4_FOLLOW_ON=%2F98%2F5%2F14%2Fsfgche14.html&pg=%2Fet%2F98%2F5%2F14%2Fsfgche14.html |archive-date=21 September 1999 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Stuttgart almost took the lead through Bobic, who took advantage of [[Steve Clarke]]'s poor clearance but Bobic's attempt went just past the right goalpost.<ref name="report2">{{cite news |first=Clare |last=Lovell |title=Zola puts final touch to Chelsea's Cup Winners' Cup |url=http://www.sportsweb.com/stories/980513/soc-chel-stut2.htm |work=Nando |agency=Reuters |date=13 May 1998 |access-date=29 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990420174324/http://www.sportsweb.com/stories/980513/soc-chel-stut2.htm |archive-date=20 April 1999}}</ref> The Germans continued to push forward, as Balakov had a chance on goal, after being found by Poschner, but his shot was kept out by [[Ed de Goey]] to mark the first save of the match.<ref name="report"/> Chelsea held on however; a few minutes later, Poyet ran towards the ball to direct a powerful volley on goal following a weak clearing header from Berthold, but a well-placed [[Franz Wohlfahrt (footballer)|Franz Wohlfahrt]] dived to read the attempt.<ref name="report2"/> Chelsea had another chance before half time, which saw Wise from a Di Matteo free kick launch another volley, with the successive effort going just off the target.<ref name="report"/>

====Second half====
Prior to the first half, Chelsea continued to dominate possession and round-up more opportunities – the ball was given to Wise, after cooperation between Petrescu and Vialli, whose shot went just across the left goal.<ref name="report3">{{cite news |title=Zola's first kick is the sweetest for Chelsea |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/93222.stm |work=BBC News |date=13 May 1998 |access-date=20 June 2012 }}</ref> It did not take long, before Granville generated another endeavor for Chelsea to make Wohlfahrt throw himself to the right in order to prevent the shot.<ref name="report"/> The club made its first substitute change in the 71st minute, which saw Flo being replaced by Zola.<ref name="report2"/> He made an effect immediately, picking up the ball after a well-timed pass by Wise, and finishing with a half volley in the penalty box, past Wohlfahrt, which found its way straight in the top right corner.<ref name="report3"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Zola strikes Chelsea glory |url=http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19980515/13550684.html |work=The Indian Express |date=15 May 1998 |access-date=7 October 2014}}</ref> As the match went on, Petrescu was sent off for an illegal tackle on Yakin.<ref name="report"/> It did not affect Chelsea as Stuttgart failed to produce anything to turn the final in their favour.<ref name="report2"/> Stuttgart's situation proved worse when they were also reduced to ten men, as Poschner was dismissed after quarrels with referee Braschi.<ref name="report"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Ut med Flo, og så skinte Zola |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/sport/d40224.htm |work=Aftenposten |agency=Norwegian News Agency, Deutsche Presse-Agentur |date=14 May 1998 |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990423164943/http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/sport/d40224.htm |archive-date=23 April 1999 |language=no}}</ref>

===Details===
{{Football box
| date         = 13 May 1998
| time         = 20:45 [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| team1        = [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] {{flagicon|ENG}}
| score        = 1–0
| report       = https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=0/matches/round=738/match=54860/lineups/index.html
| team2        = {{flagicon|GER}} [[VfB Stuttgart]]
| goals1       = [[Gianfranco Zola|Zola]] {{goal|71}}
| stadium      = [[Råsunda Stadium]], [[Stockholm]]
| attendance   = 30,216<ref name="match_history"/>
| referee      = [[Stefano Braschi]] ([[Italian Football Federation|Italy]])
}}

{| width=92%
|-
|{{Football kit
 | pattern_la = _chelsea1997h
 | pattern_b  = _chelsea1997h
 | pattern_ra = _chelsea1997h
 | pattern_sh = _chelsea1997h
 | pattern_so = _porto0809
 | leftarm    = 0000FF
 | body       = 0000FF
 | rightarm   = 0000FF
 | shorts     = 0000FF
 | socks      = FFFFFF
 | title      = Chelsea
}}
|{{Football kit
| pattern_la = _adidas_red
| pattern_b  = _VFB_9697h
| pattern_ra = _adidasstripesonwhite
| pattern_sh = _adidasonwhite
| pattern_so = _3_stripes_white
| leftarm    = FFFFFF
| body       = FFFFFF
| rightarm   = FF0000
| shorts     = FF0000
| socks      = FF0000
| title      = VfB Stuttgart
}}
|}

{| width="100%"
|valign="top" width="40%"|
{| style="font-size:90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
|-
!width=25| !!width=25|
|-
|GK ||'''1''' ||{{flagicon|NED}} [[Ed de Goey]]
|-
|RB ||'''6''' ||{{flagicon|SCO}} [[Steve Clarke]]
|-
|CB ||'''5''' ||{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Frank Leboeuf]] 
|-
|CB ||'''12'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Michael Duberry]]
|-
|LB ||'''17'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Danny Granville]]
|-
|RM ||'''2''' ||{{flagicon|ROU}} [[Dan Petrescu]] || {{sent off|0|85}}
|-
|CM ||'''11'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Dennis Wise]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]]) || {{yel|25}}
|-
|CM ||'''8''' ||{{flagicon|URU}} [[Gus Poyet]] || || {{suboff|81}}
|-
|LM ||'''16'''||{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Roberto Di Matteo]]
|-
|CF ||'''9''' ||{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Gianluca Vialli]]
|-
|CF ||'''19'''||{{flagicon|NOR}} [[Tore André Flo]] || || {{suboff|71}}
|-
|colspan=3|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|GK ||'''13'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Kevin Hitchcock]]
|-
|DF ||'''18'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Andy Myers]]
|-
|DF ||'''26'''||{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Laurent Charvet]]
|-
|MF ||'''24'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Eddie Newton]] || || {{subon|81}}
|-
|MF ||'''28'''||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jody Morris]]
|-
|FW ||'''10'''||{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Mark Hughes]]
|-
|FW ||'''25'''||{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Gianfranco Zola]] || || {{subon|71}}
|-
|colspan=3|'''Player-manager:'''
|-
|colspan=4|{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Gianluca Vialli]]
|}
|valign="top"|[[File:Chelsea vs VfB Stuttgart 1998-05-13.svg|300px]]
|valign="top" width="50%"|
{| style="font-size: 90%; margin: auto;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
|-
!width=25| !!width=25|
|-
|GK ||'''1''' ||{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Franz Wohlfahrt (footballer)|Franz Wohlfahrt]]
|-
|SW ||'''6''' ||{{flagicon|SUI}} [[Murat Yakin]]
|-
|CB ||'''14'''||{{flagicon|GER}} [[Thomas Schneider (footballer)|Thomas Schneider]] || || {{suboff|55}}
|-
|CB ||'''4''' ||{{flagicon|GER}} [[Thomas Berthold]]
|-
|RM ||'''8''' ||{{flagicon|GER}} [[Marco Haber]] || || {{suboff|75}}
|-
|CM ||'''20'''||{{flagicon|CRO}} [[Zvonimir Soldo]]
|-
|CM ||'''23'''||{{flagicon|GER}} [[Gerhard Poschner]] || {{sent off|0|90+2}}
|-
|LM ||'''7''' ||{{flagicon|GER}} [[Matthias Hagner]] || || {{suboff|79}}
|-
|AM ||'''10'''||{{flagicon|BUL}} [[Krasimir Balakov]]
|-
|CF ||'''19'''||{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Jonathan Akpoborie]]&nbsp; || {{yel|33}}
|-
|CF ||'''11'''||{{flagicon|GER}} [[Fredi Bobic]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|-
|colspan=3|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|GK ||'''25'''||{{flagicon|GER}} [[Marc Ziegler]]
|-
|DF ||'''21'''||{{flagicon|GER}} [[Jochen Endreß]] || || {{subon|55}}
|-
|DF ||'''26'''||{{flagicon|MKD}} [[Mitko Stojkovski]]
|-
|MF ||'''15'''||{{flagicon|GER}} [[Matthias Becker]]
|-
|MF ||'''16'''||{{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} [[Kristijan Đorđević]] || || {{subon|75}}
|-
|MF ||'''22'''||{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Krisztián Lisztes (footballer, born 1976)|Krisztián Lisztes]]
|-
|FW ||'''9''' ||{{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} [[Sreto Ristić]] || || {{subon|79}}
|- 
|colspan=3|'''Manager:'''
|-
|colspan=4|{{flagicon|GER}} [[Joachim Löw]]
|}
|}

{| style="width:100%; font-size:90%;"
|
'''Man of the Match:'''
<br />{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Gianfranco Zola]] (Chelsea)<ref name="match"/>

'''[[Assistant referee (association football)|Assistant referee]]s:'''
<br />{{flagicon|ITA}} Gennaro Mazzei ([[Italian Football Federation|Italy]])
<br />{{flagicon|ITA}} Pietro Contente ([[Italian Football Federation|Italy]])
<br />'''[[Assistant referee (association football)#Fourth official|Reserve referee]]:'''
<br />{{flagicon|ITA}} Livio Bazzoli ([[Italian Football Federation|Italy]])
|style="width:60%; vertical-align:top;"|
'''Match rules'''
*90 minutes.
*30 minutes of [[golden goal]] extra time if necessary.
*Penalty shoot-out if scores still level.
*Seven named substitutes.
*Maximum of three substitutions.
|}

===Statistics===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+First half<ref name="che-stu report">{{cite journal |date=13 May 1998 |title=Full-time report – Chelsea–Stuttgart |publisher=UEFA (UEFA)}}</ref>
|-
! scope="col" style="width:100px"|
! scope="col" style="width:70px"| Chelsea
! scope="col" style="width:70px"| VfB Stuttgart
|-
!scope=row|Goals scored
| 0
| 0
|-
!scope=row|Total shots
| 7
| 4
|-
!scope=row|Shots on target
| 1
| 1
|-
!scope=row|Ball possession
| 47%
| 53%
|-
!scope=row|Corner kicks
| 1
| 2
|-
!scope=row|Fouls committed
| 9
| 11
|-
!scope=row|Offsides
| 2
| 2
|-
!scope=row|Yellow cards
| 1
| 1
|-
!scope=row|Red cards
| 0
| 0
|}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center"
|+Second half<ref name="che-stu report" />
|-
! scope="col" style="width:100px"|
! scope="col" style="width:70px"| Chelsea
! scope="col" style="width:70px"| VfB Stuttgart
|-
!scope=row|Goals scored
| 1
| 0
|-
!scope=row|Total shots
| 12
| 7
|-
!scope=row|Shots on target
| 4
| 1
|-
!scope=row|Ball possession
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
|-
!scope=row|Corner kicks
| 4
| 5
|-
!scope=row|Fouls committed
| 17
| 22
|-
!scope=row|Offsides
| 2
| 5
|-
!scope=row|Yellow cards
| 0
| 0
|-
!scope=row|Red cards
| 1
| 1
|}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center"
|+Overall<ref name="che-stu report" />
|-
! scope="col" style="width:100px"|
! scope="col" style="width:70px"| Chelsea
! scope="col" style="width:70px"| VfB Stuttgart
|-
!scope=row|Goals scored
| 1
| 0
|-
!scope=row|Total shots
| 19
| 11
|-
!scope=row|Shots on target
| 5
| 2
|-
!scope=row|Ball possession
| 48%
| 52%
|-
!scope=row|Corner kicks
| 5
| 7
|-
!scope=row|Fouls committed
| 26
| 33
|-
!scope=row|Offsides
| 4
| 7
|-
!scope=row|Yellow cards
| 1
| 1
|-
!scope=row|Red cards
| 1
| 1
|}
{{Clear}}
{{col-end}}

==Post-match==
Following Chelsea's victory, player-manager Vialli was satisfied with his club's performance, commending the substitution of Zola by assistant manager [[Graham Rix]]: "He decided he had a feeling and he was right".<ref name="report2"/> Vialli also praised Zola, but felt that the honours had to be shared by all the players including Vialli himself, who took part in the match: "It was a great first touch – he put the ball in the net and we won the cup. But the credit has to be shared between all the chaps – and I am over the moon."<ref name="report3"/> The Italian further added that their goal now was to win the league championship: "The next step will be the Premier League, fingers crossed. I am still the player-manager and I have to be one next season. We are very happy to win, but we do not want to stop here. We want to keep improving and next season we will start trying to win the Premier League, which is our aim now."<ref name="report3"/><ref>{{cite news |first=Stephan |last=Nasström |title=Chelsea win European soccer title |url=http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1998/Chelsea-Wins-European-Soccer-Title/id-2f8c02767ab1a99b0ffa4c0eaf6fa4c8 |agency=Associated Press |date=13 May 1998 |access-date=24 January 2016}}</ref>

Zola himself was happy with his achievements to the Chelsea side, but when asked if his substitution was all projected, he denied it, stating: "It wasn't planned. In the moment, I used my positive strength and I got a reward for the passion, the work not only I, but the masseur Mimmo Pezza did together in [[Rimini]]. The injury should take one month to heal, Mimmo Pezza helped me be fit in less than half that. I thank this man for a beautiful moment which will be in my heart for as long as I can remember."<ref name="match"/> Their victory meant [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] gained a place in the [[1998–99 UEFA Cup]].<ref name="report"/><ref name="report3"/>

Stuttgart manager [[Joachim Löw]] was disappointed with the defeat, but remained confident about his future at the team, as well as the season: "I'm calmly looking forward to the discussion. The club has to approach me. I have a contract until 1999. There must be some tough words. For me, the season has been positive".<ref name="post-match">{{cite news |first=Oliver |last=Trust |title=. . . Kostet Zolas "Blitztor" Löw den Job? |url=http://archiv.rhein-zeitung.de/on/98/05/14/sport/news/vfb.html |work=Rhein-Zeitung |agency=Associated Press |date=14 May 1998 |access-date=11 October 2014 |language=de |archive-date=18 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018034707/http://archiv.rhein-zeitung.de/on/98/05/14/sport/news/vfb.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> His word was also shared by Bobic who felt that his team were treated unfairly to the goal, also taking time to defend Löw: "We need to talk about mistakes and learn from them, it does not mean that it is necessary to change the manager". He added: "It is bitter to lose by such a goal".<ref name="post-match"/> However, Verlaat dissented, and criticised Stuttgart's campaign: "The club has to make up its mind finally. We could have done better this season. We carelessly squandered about eight games".<ref name="post-match"/> Yakin agreed and offered his own comments: "You have to talk about many things, you cannot work together in the way it was this year."<ref name="post-match"/>

The two teams were drawn against each other again in two legs in the [[2003–04 UEFA Champions League knockout stage#First knockout round|first knockout round]] of the [[2003–04 UEFA Champions League knockout stage]].<ref>{{cite news |title=English trio happy with draw |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/champions_league/3309599.stm |work=BBC Sport |date=12 December 2003 |access-date=11 October 2014}}</ref> The first match was held in Stuttgart on 25 February 2004 at [[MHPArena|Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion]], which Chelsea also won 1–0 after an own goal scored by [[Fernando Meira]],<ref>{{cite news|first=Mark |last=Bennett |title=Chelsea profit from Meira mistake |url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UCL/FixturesResults/Round=1713/Match=1059555/index.html |publisher=UEFA |date=25 February 2004 |access-date=11 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040617052450/http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UCL/FixturesResults/Round%3D1713/Match%3D1059555/index.html |archive-date=17 June 2004 |url-status=dead }}</ref> while a scoreless draw played on 9 March 2004 in Stamford Bridge was enough for Chelsea to advance to the [[2003–04 UEFA Champions League knockout stage#Quarter-finals|quarter-finals]] with a 1–0 aggregate win.<ref>{{cite news |first=Christopher |last=Davies |title=Little cheer but Chelsea finish job |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2374573/Little-cheer-but-Chelsea-finish-job.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=10 March 2004 |access-date=11 October 2014}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|English football}}
*[[1998 UEFA Champions League Final]]
*[[1998 UEFA Cup Final]]
*[[1998 UEFA Super Cup]]
*[[Chelsea F.C. in international football competitions]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100503062018/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ecwc/history/season=1997/intro.html 1997–98 Cup Winners' Cup season] at UEFA.com

{{UEFA Cup Winners' Cup seasons}}
{{1997–98 in European football (UEFA)}}
{{Chelsea F.C. matches}}
{{VfB Stuttgart matches}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cup Winners' Cup Final 1998}}
[[Category:1997–98 in European football|3]]
[[Category:Chelsea F.C. matches]]
[[Category:VfB Stuttgart matches]]
[[Category:Sports competitions in Solna]]
[[Category:UEFA Cup Winners' Cup finals|1998]]
[[Category:International club association football competitions hosted by Sweden]]
[[Category:Association football matches in Sweden]]
[[Category:1998 in Swedish football]]
[[Category:1997–98 in German football]]
[[Category:1997–98 in English football]]
[[Category:20th century in Stockholm|1998]]
[[Category:May 1998 sports events in Europe]]