Manchester City Women secured a decisive 2-0 victory over Chelsea Women during the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final match on March 19, 2025, at the Manchester City Joie Stadium. This win puts City in a promising position ahead of the second leg, bringing their hopes of advancing in the tournament a step closer.
The match kicked off at 21:00 Spanish peninsular time and was available for live viewing through DAZN and Antena 2. Fans across various regions tuned in, with kickoff times varying: 15:00 in Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador; 14:00 in Mexico; and 16:00 in countries like Venezuela and Bolivia. In Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, it commenced at 17:00.
From the onset, Manchester City exhibited their attacking prowess. The first big moment came in the 59th minute when Vivianne Miedema scored the opener after a corner kick play, catching the Chelsea defense off guard and finding the back of the net with a left-footed shot from close range. The goal was made possible with an assist from Kerolin, making the score 1-0.
Just 29 minutes later, Miedema struck again in the 88th minute, doubling City’s lead to 2-0. This goal was facilitated by Kerolin once more, highlighting her pivotal role in the match. Chelsea struggled to respond and failed to capitalize on their opportunities, which included several missed chances and thwarted attempts throughout the game.
Throughout the match, Chelsea attempted to rally, with notable shots from Nathalie Björn and Wieke Kaptein being either saved or blocked by the Manchester City defense. Chelsea’s Sjoeke Nüsken had a header saved in the 87th minute, preceded by another close effort from Agnes Beever-Jones, but solid goalkeeping from City denied them each time.
The game saw its share of substitutions and tactical changes. Chelsea introduced Maika Hamano and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd in the second half to boost their attacking options. Meanwhile, Manchester City made strategic substitutions as well, including the entrance of Laura Blindkilde Brown and Laura Coombs, enhancing their defensive stability as they held onto their lead.
One significant moment in the match was when Kerolin received a yellow card in the 76th minute, a caution that briefly raised concerns but did not affect her contributions enormously. Her ability to facilitate scoring opportunities was a bright spot for Manchester City, demonstrating her value on the pitch.
Historical context played a role in the match’s intensity, as Chelsea had recently bested City 2-1 in the Women’s League Cup final just days prior. This backdrop added an extra layer of competitiveness, with Manchester City determined to exact revenge. Despite Chelsea's solid performance in the league leading up to this match, City adapted to the pressure and defended their home ground effectively.
The post-match sentiment from fans and analysts alike pointed towards an intense second leg upcoming, where Chelsea will need to mount a stronger offensive if they are to overturn the current deficit. City’s defensive solidity and tactical flexibility will likely present a formidable challenge for Chelsea in the return fixture.
As the league progresses, both teams will shift their focus back to the domestic league competitions as well. Manchester City is currently placed fourth in the Women’s Super League, while Chelsea leads with a notable points advantage. Each team's performance in the league will be crucial as they aim for both domestic and European success this season.
The experience gained from this match will be vital as Manchester City heads into the second leg, scheduled to take place with all eyes on Chelsea, who find themselves under pressure to perform. Will they be able to capitalize on their home advantage? Only time will tell.
