On This Day in Football History - 30 April: Chelsea's First Premier League Title, Manchester United Woes & More

30 April 2020 05:02

As another day without football passes, many of us are revelling in some of sport's finest moments from yesteryear. And what better day to do so than 30 April?

We have title victories, memorable derby days and some rather strange tactical set-ups.a little bit of everything.

So let's take yet another trip down memory lane and reminisce about what happened on this day in the world of football throughout history.

1995 - An Emotional Farewell to Ayresome Park

It's always a bitter sweet day for football fans when they move to a different stadium and 30 April 1995 was no different for Middlesbrough supporters. Following just over 90 years of weekly visits to Ayresome Park to watch their beloved Boro play, fans had to say one final goodbye to a stadium that had brought them so much joy.

Luton Town were the final visitors, but Middlesbrough managed to leave Ayresome on a high, beating the Hatters 2-1 courtesy of a brace from John Hendrie. Boro secured the Division One title under Bryan Robson in the process and begun a new era at the Riverside Stadium the following season.

2002 - Bayer Leverkusen Dump Manchester United Out of Europe

God, Leverkusen fans must long for the days where they were fighting for the Champions League trophy.

In 2002, the Germans booked their place in the final of Europe's elite competition, beating Manchester United in the process. Having drawn the first leg 2-2 at Old Trafford, Leverkusen knew they had the upper hand going into the second leg of the semi-final.

Despite conceding an opener before the half-an-hour mark, Oliver Neuville's thunderbolt from the edge of the box levelled proceedings and eventually saw Die Werkself enter the final on away goals. Unfortunately for Leverkusen, they would slump to a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the final at Hampden Park.

2005 - Chelsea's First Premier League Title

Certain goals deserve to win big games and Mulumbu's late winner in the west Midlands derby back in 2011 was certainly worthy of winning any game of football.

Channelling his inner Maradona, the West Brom midfielder pirouetted gracefully past a lunging Aston Villa challenge, before tucking the ball beyond the onrushing keeper. It's fair to say that not even Mulumbu would have dreamt of such a glorious moment the night before.

It turned out to be the Baggies' first league victory over Villa since 1985, coming from an unlikely hero to say the least.

2012 - Vincent Kompany Paints Manchester Blue

Arguably the most pivotal Manchester derby in recent history, Manchester United's 'noisy neighbours' secured a dramatic and crucial victory at the Etihad in 2012, changing the complexion of the Premier League title race.

Vincent Kompany's first-half stoppage time header was the only goal of the game, gifting Manchester City a vital three points that eventually led to a first Premier League crown for the Sky Blues.

Two weeks later the scene was set for Sergio Aguero's unbelievable title-winning goal on the final day of the season against QPR, but none of that drama could have unfolded if it wasn't for captain Kompany.

2014 - The Diegos Haunts Chelsea in Europe

If you want a perfect Diego Simeone-Atletico Madrid away display in Europe, then check this one out on YouTube.

Following a goalless draw between Chelsea and Atletico in the semi-final first leg, the Blues were hopeful of making yet another Champions League final following ex-Atleti striker Fernando Torres' first-half opener. However, the last thing you want to do is provoke Diego Simeone and Costa.

A spirited and breathless counter-attacking display in the second half from the visitors saw future Chelsea legend Costa steal the headlines, scoring Atleti's second as they romped home to a 3-1 win, setting up a final with city rivals Real Madrid as a result.

In a true tactical masterclass from Mourinho, Cesar Azpilicueta was 'utilised' at right-wing. Mistakes were made.

2017 - Last North London Derby at White Hart Lane

They may now boast arguably the most impressive stadium in world football, but Tottenham still left White Hart Lane with a tear in their eye in 2017. However, they did bow out in style in their final north London derby at their old stadium, beating Arsenal 2-0 with aplomb.

Goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane in three second-half minutes saw off the Gunners, pouring misery on Arsene Wenger and bidding a fitting farewell to north London derby day at White Hart Lane.

The result also guaranteed that Spurs would finish above their bitter rivals for the first time in 22 years, marking a shift in power in north London.

2020 - Marc-Andre ter Stegen Turns 28

28 years ago today, one of the world's greatest goalkeepers came into the world. The Barcelona shot-stopper has graced La Liga for just under six of those, making 224 appearances for the Catalan side along the way, as well as lifting the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.

Few goalkeepers can rival Ter Stegen - while some would argue none can - and the German still has plenty more years between the sticks ahead of him.

Source: 90min