Clinical Chelsea Sweep Aside Manchester United at Wembley
Chelsea women complete the domestic treble after capping off a spectacular domestic campaign with a commanding 3–0 victory over Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup Final. First-half and stoppage-time goals from Sandy Baltimore, combined with a powerful Catarina Macario header, ensured Sonia Bompastor ended her debut season in charge with three major trophies.
Baltimore and Macario Deliver on the Biggest Stage
In front of a packed Wembley crowd of 74,412, it was France international Sandy Baltimore who made the difference. She opened the scoring from the penalty spot just before half-time after Celin Bizet’s high foot caught Erin Cuthbert. Baltimore remained composed, sending Phallon Tullis-Joyce the wrong way to put Chelsea ahead.
Second-half substitute Catarina Macario added to the lead in the 84th minute, heading in Baltimore’s cross. Just minutes later, Baltimore struck again, sealing the win with a close-range finish during stoppage time.
Chelsea’s Dominance Continues Under Bompastor
Chelsea Women had already lifted the Women’s Super League and League Cup titles prior to this fixture. The FA Cup triumph marked their first domestic Treble since 2021, achieved this time under new manager Sonia Bompastor. Her calm leadership and tactical acumen have guided the team to an unbeaten domestic season, despite the disappointment of their Champions League semi-final exit.
United Fall Short Despite Bright Start
Manchester United came into the final hoping to avenge their 2023 defeat and win back-to-back FA Cups. They started brightly, applying early pressure through set-pieces and nearly scoring through Dominique Janssen. However, Chelsea’s composure and experience proved too much. Ella Toone, left out of the starting XI, entered at half-time but could not turn the tide.
This marked United’s third consecutive FA Cup final appearance, but once again, they fell short against a relentless Chelsea side that showed the gulf in quality remains significant.
Ohanian’s Arrival Signals a New Era
The final also marked a symbolic turning point for Chelsea, with new board member and investor Alexis Ohanian — co-founder of Reddit — attending alongside Serena Williams and their daughter. Ohanian’s £20 million investment was announced this week, and his presence at Wembley underlined a fresh chapter for the club’s future.
His praise of the team as the “queens of global soccer” echoed the performance on the pitch. With further financial backing, Chelsea’s dominance in English football looks set to continue.
Chelsea Set the Standard in Women’s Football
The win extended Chelsea’s remarkable record over Manchester United, making it 14 wins in their last 16 meetings. With players like Baltimore, Macario, and Ramirez all starring, and an ambitious board behind them, the Blues are well-positioned to continue setting the standard in the Women’s Super League and beyond.
