Chelsea midfielder Keira Walsh has declared her dream of winning the Champions League with an English club as her side prepares to face Manchester City in the quarter-finals on March 19, 2025, at the Joie Stadium in Manchester. This high-stakes encounter, set to kick off at 8 PM GMT, marks a significant moment for Walsh, who recently returned to the squad after missing the past three games due to injury, including Saturday’s League Cup final victory against City.
Walsh, who has twice clinched the prestigious European title with Barcelona in 2023 and 2024, expressed her ambitions during an interview with BBC Sport, sharing, "My dream has always been to win the Champions League with an English club so hopefully we can do that." This will be a fresh opportunity for Walsh to fulfill her long-held aspiration, particularly as she joins a Chelsea side that has emerged as strong contenders for the title.
Since joining Chelsea in January 2025, Walsh has made only three appearances but is keen to contribute significantly as they embark on their Champions League journey. "It is really good to be back but I did really enjoy my time in Spain. I grew as a person and a player and I created some really special memories with those girls and that club," she noted. Walsh believes her experiences with Barcelona can be beneficial as Chelsea seeks to make history in the tournament.
Under the leadership of manager Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea arrives in Manchester with an impressive record, remaining unbeaten in their last 28 fixtures, with 26 wins. Following their triumph in the League Cup, where they secured their first trophy under Bompastor on March 15, the team appears to be gaining momentum ahead of crucial matches against their rivals.
Manchester City, now under the guidance of Nick Cushing after the departure of Gareth Taylor, faces a tough challenge in this two-legged tie. They are up against a Chelsea squad that has dominated recent encounters, having won their last three meetings across all competitions. Cushing has indicated that confidence is crucial, as he noted, "Our performance in my first game back in charge [the League Cup final] gave us belief that we can do better against Chelsea. However, we’ll need to find our best form to stand a chance in Europe."
Injuries have posed significant obstacles for City, as they will be without top scorer Khadija Shaw and Japanese winger Aoba Fujino due to muscle injuries sustained in the recent League Cup final. Cushing reiterated the importance of adapting quickly, saying, "The absence of key players like Shaw is a major blow. We’ll need to be strategic in our lineup to have a chance against Chelsea's strong squad."
Despite these hurdles, City has shown potential in their own right, having had a strong Champions League group stage, and now, the test lies in overcoming the psychological barrier that Chelsea presents. As Walsh reflects on her previous encounters with City, she acknowledges their competitive spirit but is resolute in her commitment to Chelsea: "I don’t focus too much on City being my old team. Obviously I have respect for them, but I am a Chelsea player now and I will do anything to help Chelsea win."
The rivalry is heightened, especially with the two sides set to clash multiple times in the coming days—a situation that raises the stakes not only for the Champions League fixtures but also for their ongoing campaigns in the Women’s Super League (WSL). The two teams’ recent matches have proved to be intense and hard-fought, indicating that this upcoming Champions League battle could be similarly fierce.
As the game draws near, analysts and enthusiasts alike are eager to see how the clubs will adapt and what strategies each will bring into play. No doubt, Chelsea’s reputation as serial winners will be tested against Manchester City's ambition to reclaim glory, with Cushing and his squad hoping to carve a path through the formidable Chelsea lineup.
Former Manchester City defender Steph Houghton has tipped Chelsea for success in the WSL but looks to City for a surprise in their Champions League fixtures, stating, "It’s going to be such a great game, two great teams that like to play football. Chelsea is at the top of their game right now, but I can't help but think City can pull off a win over two legs."
With tensions running high for both clubs this week, each possess something to prove. For Walsh, the personal journey to fulfill her dreams with Chelsea coincides with the broader ambition to make a mark in women's football. As fans gear up for this crucial encounter, the question remains: can Chelsea maintain their unbeaten streak and push toward their European ambition, or will Manchester City rise to the occasion to thwart their rivals?
As the clock ticks toward kick-off, anticipation fills the air, with both players and supporters poised for what promises to be an electrifying clash.
