Chelsea vs Man City LIVE: Women’s League Cup last consequence and response as Blues win after late personal purpose
Chelsea defeated Manchester City to win the Women’s League Cup and secure a first trophy under Sonia Bompastor as Yui Hasegawa’s own goal settled an entertaining final at Pride Park.
Mayra Ramirez bundled in the opening goal for the Blues after just seven minutes but Nick Cushing’s City were the better side up until half time in terms of possession and chances.
Chelsea settled after the break, but were then taken by surprise as Aoba Fujino’s swerving shot found the top corner from the angle. Hannah Hampton redeemed herself moments later with a crucial stop to deny Khadija Shaw.
And Chelsea then struck late on as Ramirez’s cross from the right was sliced in by the unfortunate Hasegawa, with the ball looping in off her foot as she looked to clear and beating Ayaka Yamashita.
The result continues Chelsea’s unbeaten season under Bompastor but City will look to strike back when they host the Blues in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday
Chelsea win the Women’s League Cup
‘Bompastor joins serial winners’
Rachel Brown-Finnis, an ex-England goalkeeper, reacts to Chelsea’s win on BBC One.
She said: “Bompastor joins a collection of serial winners.
“It’s her first trophy and probably not her last of the season with Chelsea.
“You can’t argue that Chelsea didn’t deserve it.”
Chelsea win the Women’s League Cup
This is the 15th piece of silverware that is being added to Chelsea’s trophy cabinet.
It is the first time in four years that the Blues have won the League Cup.
Emma Hayes didn’t manage to win this trophy in any of her final three years at the club.
A perfect start for Sonia Bompastor.
Full-time! Chelsea 2-1 Man City
A very respectful handshake between Sonia Bompastor and Nick Cushing – you wouldn’t know that the French coach had just won her first trophy with Chelsea!
She will know that she has to face Manchester City three more times in the next 12 days, and that her team were second best for long spells today.
But Chelsea do what they do best: win. The first of potentially four trophies for the Blues this season, and their first success in this competition since 2021.
Full-time! Chelsea 2-1 Man City
90+3 mins: Chelsea have done it!
Sonia Bompastor has her first piece of silverware as head coach of the London side.
Yui Hasegawa’s own goal was the difference between the teams.
Three goals in the game; two for Chelsea, one for Man City mean this thrilling final ends favourably Millie Bright’s team.
Chelsea are victorious.
Chelsea 2-1 Man City
88 mins: Jill Roord pulls the trigger from a long way out.
She drills the effort straight at Hannah Hampton who scoops it up without too much trouble.
A couple of minutes in the 90 left to play.
Chelsea 2-1 Man City
83 mins: Chelsea are defending in a low block and obviously feel they have enough quality to keep City at bay.
Chelsea 2-1 Man City
80 mins: That goal could end up being decisive.
There’s just 10 minutes left to play in this game and Man City bring on Jess Park to change their fortunes.
Chelsea 2-1 Man City
Cruel on Manchester City and, especially, Yui Hasegawa. But it’s the run from Lucy Bronze down the right that made it possible. She made the breakthrough, beating Fowler and then coming through the collision with Ouahabi. The spirit Chelsea needed – but City should still believe that they can get back in this. Jess Park is preparing to come on.
