Chelsea completed their first step toward achieving the historic quadruple by defeating Manchester City 2-1 to lift the Subway Women’s League Cup on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Pride Park. The Blues not only took their moment of glory but also secured their first piece of silverware this season after enduring heartbreak as runners-up for the previous three years.
The match kicked off with Chelsea establishing dominance early. Just eight minutes in, Mayra Ramirez opened the scoring for the Blues. After her initial shot was saved by Manchester City goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita, the ball rebounded off defender Laia Aleixandri and fell kindly to Ramirez, who slotted it home from close range.
City quickly rallied, with Hannah Hampton coming up big for Chelsea. The goalkeeper made impressive saves, stopping attempts from Leila Ouahabi and Aoba Fujino, who was particularly threatening throughout the game. Fujino finally found the back of the net for City with a stunning strike from the edge of the area at the 64th minute, leveling the match at 1-1.
Despite the equalizer, Chelsea didn’t let the momentum shift for long. The decisive moment came just 13 minutes later. With the game drawing to a close, Ramirez sent another dangerously low cross toward the City goal. This time, Yui Hasegawa misjudged her clearance, turning the ball inadvertently past her own goalkeeper, giving Chelsea the lead once more.
"We always find a way to win, whether it's a good day or a bad day," said Chelsea captain Millie Bright, reflecting on the team's determined mindset. The captain, alongside her defenders, played their part by not only blocking off several City attacks but showing resilience throughout the match.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor had mixed feelings after the victory. "The performance was maybe not great, but we found a way to win. I know this team has more than what we showed today," she candidly stated post-match. Bompastor celebrated her first trophy with Chelsea, but her excitement was somewhat muted, perhaps due to the pressure to continue performing over the upcoming matches. "When you are at these big clubs, the pressure is on results. When you win, you are able to celebrate; you want to enjoy these moments with the players, staff, and fans," she added.
This final was significant not only for the trophy but also for the team's outlook for the season. Chelsea remains unbeaten across competitions this season, leading the Women’s Super League by eight points with six matches left to defend their title. They are also through to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League and have made it to the FA Cup semifinals.
The victory against Manchester City sets the stage for even more fierce competition as both teams face off again for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday, March 19. This will mark the first of four consecutive encounters between the two sides over just twelve days, raising the stakes and intensifying the rivalry.
City’s interim manager Nick Cushing, who took over following the sacking of Gareth Taylor, acknowledged Chelsea’s strengths but emphasized his team’s competitive spirit. "Psychologically, winning the first game is important," he said. Cushing’s City squad displayed grit throughout the match and will be eager to find ways to counter Chelsea’s tactics and secure their own victory in the upcoming matches.
Despite the loss, City demonstrated flashes of potential, with Aoba Fujino proving to be instrumental. Her equalizing strike showcased her skill, bringing her teammates back on level terms momentarily. "I’ve seen enough to believe we can be competitive in the next three games and we can beat Chelsea," Cushing pointed out optimistically.
For Chelsea, this League Cup win not only serves as momentum but as affirmation of their capabilities under Bompastor's leadership. The victory also marks Chelsea’s third League Cup title. Their prior loss streak, having come up short three times consecutively, was heavy on the team and their supporters. "It’s been doing my head in for a long time," voiced Bright, recalling their previous disappointments.
Now, with confidence growing, the focus shifts to not only the Champions League but their current standing and performance leading up to the FA Cup finals. Bompastor is expected to take Chelsea forward with the same winning mentality, maintaining their undefeated streak.
Overall, the match serves as both triumph and motivation for Chelsea to pursue their ambitious aim of clinching four major titles this season, marking their name firmly on the women's football map.