Such was the impact of the record-setting match that it was shortlisted for Best Sporting Event and Australia’s Favourite Event at the annual Australian Event Awards which took place in Sydney on Tuesday (17 November).

Announcing the award, the judges said it had been a remarkable achievement by ANZ Stadium, Destination NSW and Chelsea FC to deliver the event in a planning timeframe of just 58 days.

Stadium Australia group managing director Daryl Kerry accepted the award and said: ‘Chelsea flew out of London just 48 hours after securing the English Premier League title and they brought the Premier League Trophy with them to Sydney, which added to the spectacle.

‘We will all long remember the night Premier League champions Chelsea played Sydney FC in front of a full house at ANZ Stadium.’

Chelsea FC’s managing director of Asia Pacific, Adrian New, added: ‘Chelsea FC is honoured and delighted that our match versus Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium has been recognised as the Best Sporting Event of 2015.

‘This award is a consequence of the tremendous work put in by all of the staff at ANZ Stadium to stage the event and the amazing passion of the 83,598 fans who turned up on the night to cheer on the Premier League champions. We look forward to visiting the wonderful city and people of Sydney again.’