Manchester City and Chelsea clashed once more at the Joie Stadium on March 19, 2025, in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final. The match was crucial for Manchester City, who sought to avenge their recent defeat to Chelsea in the League Cup final just days prior.
This was the second of four meetings in just 12 days for the two sides. Chelsea, under the leadership of Sonia Bompastor, had recently secured their first trophy since her appointment, highlighting their strong domestic form as they continue to operate at the top of the Women’s Super League table.
Kick-off for the highly anticipated match was set for 8 PM, and fans tuned in across various platforms including TNT Sports and the DAZN YouTube channel. City was determined to leverage home advantage, hoping to set the stage for a successful quarter-final campaign.
As the match began, Manchester City fielded a solid side. Coach Nick Cushing opted to start with Yamashita in goal, supported by a defense featuring Casparij, Prior, Aleixandri, and Ouahabi, aiming to withstand Chelsea’s attacking prowess. In the midfield, Hasegawa, Roord, and Park were tasked with controlling the flow of the game, while the forward line included Kerolin, Murphy, and Fowler, the latter only 19 years of age and looking to make her mark.
On the opposing side, Chelsea showcased a formidable lineup with Hampton guarding the goal and a strong defense led by Bronze, Bjorn, and Bright. Bompastor’s midfield strategy included Cuthbert and Walsh, with the attacking front featuring Beever-Jones, Macario, and star James, as they aimed to maintain their momentum from the League Cup triumph.
As the match progressed, both teams appeared cautious, with neither wanting to make a risky move early on. In the 21st minute, Lauren James nearly broke the deadlock with an impressive 25-yard strike, but City’s Yamashita was alert, diving to her left to make the crucial save.
The first half ended without any goals, but it was not without action. Noteworthy plays included Lily Murphy’s pacey run down the wing and several near misses from both sides. City dominated possession at times but could not convert it into meaningful scoring chances, while Chelsea exhibited their trademark resilience in defense.
At halftime, the score stood at 0-0 as both coaches prepared their teams for what they hoped would be a more productive second half. Cushing made a notable substitution, bringing in experienced forward Vivianne Miedema for Lily Murphy,-looking to spark a goal from the City side.
Chelsea also made a change, substituting Catarina Macario for Wieke Kaptein as both teams aimed to shift the momentum. The second half saw increased intensity as City began pressing more aggressively, realizing the importance of this game for their season.
City’s approach paid off as Miedema found herself in the right place at the right time, netting a well-placed shot in the 88th minute, making the scoreline 2-0 in favor of Manchester City. The goal was a turning point in the match, showcasing her ability to capitalize on opportunities during tense moments.
Yet, the match wasn't devoid of Chelsea's attempts to fight back. Rytting Kaneryd came close to leveling the game when her shot reverberated off the crossbar, sending ripples of excitement through the fans as they surged in support of their team.
Following the match, Millie Bright of Chelsea reflected on their rapid turnaround from celebrating the League Cup victory to facing City again. "There were barely any celebrations,” she noted. “Everyone was tucked in bed by 9:30 PM. Our eyes are set on big targets this year; winning trophies is always the goal." This reflects the disciplined mindset Bompastor has instilled in her squad.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are hoping that their strong home performance could translate into an aggregate lead to take into the second leg at Stamford Bridge. Cushing emphasized the importance of belief in the squad: "There have been some incredible results at home this season. The team knows they can win trophies; we need the real belief to win."
With the first leg behind them, both teams now face pivotal moments in the upcoming encounters, including a WSL clash this weekend. Chelsea must regroup quickly, mentally and physically, while City will look to build on their hard-won victory as they manage their season's ambitions across multiple competitions. Each match not only plays a pivotal role in their Champions League aspirations but also shapes the rest of their domestic campaigns.
