Discover how Chelsea ended their League Cup drought with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Manchester City. Read about the match highlights and key moments.
Introduction:
Chelsea emerged victorious in a thrilling Women’s League Cup final, securing their first title since 2021 with a dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester City. In a tense battle at Pride Park, Chelsea took an early lead through Mayra Ramirez before Aoba Fujino’s stunning equalizer brought City level. However, heartbreak struck for Nick Cushing’s side as a late own goal from Yui Hasegawa handed Chelsea the trophy.
Chelsea Strikes Early Through Ramirez
On a challenging pitch, both teams had to adapt their usual slick passing styles to the demanding conditions. Manchester City started brightly, pressing high and moving the ball with confidence. However, it was Chelsea who landed the first blow in the eighth minute.
A well-disguised pass from Lauren James sliced through the City defense, finding Ramirez in space. The forward’s initial shot was parried by Ayaka Yamashita, but the ball rebounded off a defender and fell kindly for Ramirez, who made no mistake from close range.
See also: Alexia & Aitana Shine as Barcelona Past Man City 3-0
It was a cruel moment for City, who had started strongly. Determined to respond, they pressed forward with purpose. Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw was at the heart of their attacking efforts, forcing a crucial block from Chelsea captain Millie Bright after a dazzling run.
City Responds with Relentless Pressure
Despite Chelsea’s lead, City dominated large spells of the first half, carving out numerous chances. Hannah Hampton was called into action several times, tipping Leila Ouahabi’s driven effort around the post before denying Fujino with a fine save.
City were nearly caught out on the counter, though, when Ramirez found herself through on goal once again. The Colombian forward rounded Yamashita but was forced wide, and her effort found only the side netting.
City’s pressure continued to build, with Chelsea’s defenders—Bright, Sjoeke Nüsken, and Kadeisha Buchanan—having to make crucial last-ditch interventions. Shaw and Vivianne Miedema threatened repeatedly, but Chelsea’s resilient defensive display ensured they held their narrow lead at halftime.
Fujino’s Moment of Magic Brings City Level
The second half began with more of the same, as City resumed their hunt for an equalizer. Chelsea had an opportunity to extend their lead when Erin Cuthbert played a sublime pass to Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, but Yamashita made a crucial one-on-one save.
Just after the hour mark, City finally found the breakthrough they had been pushing for. Fujino, who had been one of City’s brightest sparks, picked up the ball and drove at Chelsea’s defense. With defenders backing off, she unleashed a curling effort from the corner of the box that swerved in mid-air before nestling into the top corner.
It was a moment of brilliance, and suddenly, City had all the momentum. Minutes later, Shaw was played through on goal, only for Hampton to make a superb save with her outstretched foot. The Chelsea goalkeeper was soon called into action again, denying Miedema as City pressed for a winner.
Hasegawa’s Own Goal Hands Chelsea the Title
With City in the ascendancy, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor made decisive changes. Substitute Maika Hamano nearly restored the lead with a long-range effort, while Aggie Beever-Jones injected fresh energy into the attack.
The breakthrough came in the 77th minute. Beever-Jones played Ramirez into space on the right, and her driven cross into the box caused panic in the City defense. Under pressure from Hamano, Hasegawa attempted to clear but inadvertently sent the ball past her own goalkeeper.
It was a cruel twist for City, who had been the better side for large portions of the match. Despite their best efforts, they struggled to carve out clear opportunities in the closing minutes. Jill Roord’s late attempt from a distance was easily gathered by Hampton, and Chelsea held firm to see out the game.
Chelsea End Trophy Drought Under Bompastor
The final whistle signaled Chelsea’s first Women’s League Cup triumph since 2021 and their third overall. Having lost their previous three finals, this victory was particularly sweet. For Bompastor, who took charge last summer, it marked her first trophy with the club—a significant milestone in her tenure.
City’s Disappointment and What Comes Next
For Manchester City, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. They had shown resilience and quality throughout the match but were undone by moments of misfortune. With the League Cup now out of reach, their focus will shift to upcoming battles against Chelsea, as the two sides meet three more times in quick succession.
Next up, Chelsea travel to Manchester for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Joie Stadium on Wednesday night. They will then face City again in the Women’s Super League before the return leg at Stamford Bridge.
This latest chapter in the Chelsea-City rivalry has set the stage for an intense period ahead. For now, though, Chelsea celebrates as the 2025 Women’s League Cup champions.