Chelsea could become just the fourth side to complete the continental hat-trick of a European Cup, Europa League (née Uefa Cup) and Cup Winners' Cup success if they beat Benfica in this month's Europa League final. And they are the second west London team to reach the final, three years after Fulham's meeting in Hamburg with Atlético Madrid.
In what was Roy Hodgson's final game in charge before he left for a brief but brutal six months with Liverpool, the clock struck midnight on the Cottagers' fairytale as Atléti beat them 2-1 after extra-time, thanks to two goals from Diego Forlán. But it was what happened prior to the final which made Fulham's near-success story so notable.
During the campaign Fulham etched one of the greatest moments into their modern history with a 4-1 home win against Juventus, having lost the first leg 3-1. Clint Dempsey's ingenious 82nd minute chip proved to be the fitting decider for a pulsating 5-4 aggregate win, as Italy's most successful domestic team were conquered by the Cottagers.
Simon Davies celebrates his equaliser against Atlético
Wins against German sides Wolfsburg and final hosts Hamburg sealed Fulham's final berth where, despite Simon Davies' equaliser, Forlán continued his potent form.
The Uruguayan, who scored for Manchester United in Fulham's famous 3-1 win at Old Trafford in 2003, enjoyed an inspired 2010 as his goals led the Rojiblancos to their first major trophy since the 1995-96 double triumph. In the semi-finals, he returned to haunt Liverpool by scoring in both legs and would go on to win the Golden Ball award at the South Africa World Cup.
