Bradford City4-2
ChelseaLeague One Bradford City were 2–0 down away to the Premier League leaders. What followed was not a narrow escape or a late smash-and-grab, but a four-goal comeback against José Mourinho's Chelsea.
The favourites take control
Chelsea were leading the Premier League and had a strong home record. Mourinho made changes for the fourth-round tie, but his line-up still contained established international players. Bradford, managed by Phil Parkinson, were competing two divisions below their hosts.
Goals from Gary Cahill and Ramires gave Chelsea a 2–0 lead. At that stage, the afternoon seemed to be developing as expected. Jon Stead's goal before the interval was crucial: it reduced the deficit and gave Bradford a reason to believe the contest was not finished.
Four goals without reply
Bradford carried that belief into the second half. Filipe Morais, a former Chelsea player, equalised, and Andy Halliday then put the visitors in front. A home crowd that had seen Chelsea establish a comfortable lead was now watching them chase the game.
Mark Yeates completed the turnaround in stoppage time, making it 4–2. Bradford had scored four consecutive goals at Stamford Bridge. The margin, the comeback and the quality of the opposition combined to make the result much more than a routine cup surprise.
More than one remarkable afternoon
Bradford followed the Chelsea win by beating another Premier League club, Sunderland, in the fifth round. Their run ended against Reading in a quarter-final replay. Reaching the last eight gave the Stamford Bridge performance a wider place in a genuinely impressive campaign.
Chelsea went on to win the Premier League that season, underlining the strength of the team Bradford had beaten. The tie remains a powerful example of why a two-goal lead is not a guarantee: Bradford stayed in the match, took their openings and kept attacking after drawing level.