In football, starting players often grab the headlines, but some of Chelsea’s most unforgettable moments have come from substitutes stepping off the bench and changing the course of history. Whether through last-minute goals, dramatic assists, or game-defining performances, these players made an instant impact when their team needed them the most.
Here, we rank Chelsea’s top four substitute appearances of all time, based on their significance, drama, and lasting impact on the club’s history.
Ranking Chelsea’s Best Substitute Appearances of All Time
1. Michy Batshuayi vs West Brom (2017) – Premier League Title Winner
Match: West Brom vs Chelsea – May 12, 2017 (Premier League)
Subbed on: 76th minute
Key Moment: Scored the goal that won Chelsea the 2016-17 Premier League title
Michy Batshuayi’s Chelsea career was filled with ups and downs, but he will forever be remembered for one legendary moment.
During the 2016-17 season, Chelsea, under Antonio Conte, had been dominant in the league. By the time they faced West Brom at The Hawthorns in May 2017, a win would officially crown them champions. However, breaking down West Brom’s deep defensive setup proved to be a massive challenge. With the game still 0-0 in the 76th minute, Conte took a risk by bringing on Batshuayi, who had struggled for regular game time throughout the season.
Just six minutes later, Batshuayi etched his name into Chelsea history. A low cross was deflected into his path, and the Belgian striker reacted quickly to stab the ball home from close range. The goal sealed Chelsea’s sixth English league title, sparking wild celebrations among the players and traveling fans.
Despite not being a regular starter, Batshuayi had delivered in the most crucial moment of the season. His name will forever be associated with that Premier League-winning goal.
2. Fernando Torres vs Barcelona (2012) – Champions League Semi-Final
Match: Barcelona vs Chelsea – April 24, 2012 (Champions League Semi-Final, Second Leg)
Subbed on: 80th minute
Key Moment: Scored the iconic last-minute goal to seal Chelsea’s place in the final
Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League run was filled with unforgettable moments, but Fernando Torres’ last-minute goal against Barcelona remains one of the most iconic.
Chelsea had traveled to the Camp Nou with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, but the match quickly turned into a nightmare. Barcelona scored twice in the first half and looked set to eliminate Chelsea. To make things worse, John Terry was sent off, leaving the Blues down to ten men.
Despite the odds, Ramires’ stunning chip before halftime gave Chelsea a vital away goal, making the aggregate score 2-2. The Blues then spent the rest of the match defending with everything they had, resisting wave after wave of Barcelona attacks.
In the 92nd minute, Barcelona had committed everyone forward when Chelsea cleared the ball upfield. Suddenly, Fernando Torres found himself alone, sprinting towards goal with only Victor Valdés to beat. He remained composed, rounded the goalkeeper, and calmly slotted the ball into the empty net.
The goal confirmed Chelsea’s place in the Champions League final, where they would eventually become European champions for the first time. Torres’ strike is one of the most replayed goals in Chelsea history, and his celebration captured the pure ecstasy of an underdog triumph.
3. Eden Hazard vs Tottenham (2016) – Ending Spurs’ Title Hopes
Match: Chelsea vs Tottenham – May 2, 2016 (Premier League)
Subbed on: Halftime
Key Moment: Scored a stunning late equalizer that ended Spurs’ title hopes
This wasn’t just a big goal—it was one of the most satisfying moments in Chelsea’s rivalry with Tottenham.
Tottenham arrived at Stamford Bridge knowing that they needed a win to keep their Premier League title hopes alive. Leicester City were on the verge of a historic title win, and Spurs were their only remaining challengers.
Spurs started strong, racing into a 2-0 lead by halftime, with goals from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. Chelsea looked lost, and Tottenham seemed on their way to closing the gap on Leicester.
At halftime, Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink made a crucial change, bringing on Eden Hazard to add some attacking spark. The Belgian instantly made a difference, playing with the freedom and confidence that had made him Chelsea’s best player in previous seasons.
Chelsea pulled one back through Gary Cahill, setting up a tense finale. Then, in the 83rd minute, Hazard produced a moment of pure magic. After exchanging a quick one-two with Diego Costa, Hazard curled a beautiful shot into the top corner, leaving Spurs’ goalkeeper Hugo Lloris helpless.
His goal meant that Leicester City were officially Premier League champions—and Tottenham had thrown away their best chance at a league title in decades. Chelsea fans relished the moment, celebrating not just the goal but the fact that they had denied their London rivals glory.
4. Demba Ba vs Paris Saint-Germain (2014) – Champions League Quarter-Final
Match: Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain – April 8, 2014 (Champions League Quarter-Final, Second Leg)
Subbed on: 66th minute
Key Moment: Scored the last-minute winner to send Chelsea into the semi-finals
When Demba Ba came off the bench against PSG, Chelsea’s Champions League campaign was hanging by a thread.
The Blues had lost the first leg 3-1 in Paris, meaning they needed a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge to progress. Chelsea led 1-0 thanks to an early goal from André Schürrle, but as the match ticked towards the final minutes, they still needed another goal.
In the 87th minute, chaos erupted in the PSG penalty box. A deflected shot landed at the feet of Demba Ba, who reacted instinctively and bundled the ball into the net. Stamford Bridge erupted in celebration, as Chelsea had completed an improbable comeback to reach the semi-finals.
Ba, who had not been a regular starter, had delivered in a massive moment. His goal was the definition of right place, right time, and it remains one of the most dramatic finishes in Chelsea’s European history.
FAQ – Chelsea’s Best Substitute Appearances
1. What is Chelsea’s greatest substitute goal?
Fernando Torres’ last-minute goal against Barcelona in 2012 is widely considered Chelsea’s most iconic substitute goal, sealing their place in the Champions League final.
2. Which Chelsea substitute has scored the most important Premier League goal?
Michy Batshuayi’s goal against West Brom in 2017 won Chelsea the Premier League title, making it one of the club’s most significant substitute goals.
3. Has Eden Hazard ever scored as a substitute?
Yes! One of his most famous substitute appearances was against Tottenham in 2016, where his stunning goal ended Spurs’ title hopes and crowned Leicester City champions.
4. What is Chelsea’s most dramatic late goal by a substitute?
Demba Ba’s 87th-minute goal against PSG in 2014 was one of Chelsea’s most dramatic Champions League moments, completing a stunning comeback.
