The 2000 FA Cup Final took place on 20 May 2000 and was the last to be played at the old Wembley Stadium. It was contested between Chelsea and Aston Villa, who had finished 5th and 6th respectively in the Premier League that season. In a close-fought contest, Chelsea secured their second FA Cup in three years with a strike mid-way through the second half from Roberto Di Matteo.

It was Chelsea’s second FA Cup success in four seasons and their third so far. Roberto Di Matteo had also scored in their previous cup triumph.

It was Aston Villa’s first FA Cup final appearance since their win 43 years earlier.

Wembley Stadium closed five months later, and was subsequently rebuilt. It was more than six years after the old stadium closed that the new stadium opened.

Following a poor quality first half in which few chances were created, the match was brighter in the second, with Chelsea generally having the better of the play. George Weah missed several chances and Dennis Wise had a goal disallowed for offside, while Villa’s Gareth Southgate headed wide. On 73 minutes, Roberto Di Matteo scored what proved to be the winning goal, capitalising on an error from Villa goalkeeper David James to put the ball in the net from close range.

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