On March 27, 2025, Chelsea Women pulled off a stunning comeback at Stamford Bridge, defeating Manchester City 3-2 on aggregate to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. After suffering a 2-0 defeat in the first leg, Chelsea needed a monumental effort to overturn the deficit, and they delivered with a dominant performance.
The match started with Chelsea applying relentless pressure, and it didn’t take long for them to make their mark. In the 14th minute, Sandy Baltimore struck first, firing a shot into the top right corner after a chaotic scramble in the box. The stadium erupted as Chelsea fans sensed a comeback was on.
Despite still trailing 2-1 on aggregate, Chelsea continued to press, creating multiple chances. Nathalie Bjorn nearly doubled the lead moments later, hitting the post with a header. City struggled to cope with Chelsea’s attacking intent, and in the 38th minute, Bjorn finally found the back of the net, heading home from a corner to level the aggregate score.
Just before half-time, Mayra Ramirez added a third goal for Chelsea, tapping in from Lauren James’ cutback in the 43rd minute. This goal sent Chelsea into the break with a 3-0 lead on the night and a 3-2 advantage on aggregate, leaving Manchester City reeling.
As the second half commenced, both teams created opportunities, but it was Chelsea who came closest to extending their lead. Erin Cuthbert rattled the bar with a powerful strike in the 80th minute, but Chelsea’s defense held firm against late pressure from City.
Interim City coach Nick Cushing expressed pride in his team’s effort despite the loss. “I’m disappointed we didn’t progress. But immensely proud of the group,” he said. Cushing noted the challenges posed by injuries that left City without several key players, including Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp, further complicating their task against a deep Chelsea squad.
Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor was ecstatic about her team’s performance, stating, “What a special night in front of our fans. After the first leg, I knew we could do it. I’m so proud of my players.” Bompastor highlighted the importance of belief in their comeback, emphasizing that “everything becomes possible” in football.
This victory not only secured Chelsea’s place in the semi-finals but also marked a significant moment in their pursuit of a historic quadruple. The Blues are currently leading the Women’s Super League by eight points and have already captured the League Cup title earlier this season. Their next challenge will be a semi-final clash against Barcelona, who are coming off a decisive 10-2 aggregate win over Wolfsburg.
In an unprecedented scheduling quirk, Chelsea and Manchester City faced each other four times in just 12 days, including the League Cup final and both legs of their Champions League showdown. Chelsea emerged victorious in three of those encounters, solidifying their status as England’s top team.
As Chelsea prepares to take on Barcelona, the team is determined to overcome past disappointments. They have faced the Spanish giants in the semi-finals for the last two years, and Bompastor’s side is eager to turn the tide this time around. “It will be a tough challenge,” she acknowledged, but with their current form, Chelsea believes they have what it takes to go all the way.
Meanwhile, Manchester City faces a tough road ahead, currently sitting seven points adrift of the European places in the Women’s Super League with only five games remaining. They still have the FA Cup to focus on, but the recent string of injuries has put a strain on their squad.
In the aftermath of this thrilling encounter, Chelsea has shown that they are not just contenders in England but are poised to make a significant impact on the European stage. With their eyes set on the Champions League trophy, the Blues are ready to embrace the challenge that lies ahead.
As the dust settles on this dramatic quarter-final, football fans can look forward to an exhilarating semi-final showdown between Chelsea and Barcelona, promising to be a highlight of the Women’s Champions League season.
