The Red Devils booked their place in next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) qualification after a 2-2 draw with Manchester City on May 4 at Old Trafford for the Women’s Super League (WSL). Grace Clinton and Melvine Malard scored for United, which helped the team come back from a two-goal deficit.

City struck early with Laia Aleixandri scoring the game’s first goal. Soon after, Rebecca Knaak slotted a second that gave City full control. United didn’t give up, however, as Clinton scored 2-1 before the first half ended.

The match stayed tight in the second half, as Malard scored an equaliser. City still pushed forward, with the ball in their possession for 60% of the match. Shortly after, Aoife Mannion received a red card for a bad foul, which left United with 10 players. Still, the event did not stop them from holding their defensive game strong to keep the match at 2-2.

WSL final day looms

The WSL is down to its final match day on May 11. Third-place Man Utd will host second-place Arsenal, while league leaders Chelsea face Liverpool. The UWCL is set to return in June 2025, starting with the first qualifying round. 

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Manchester City Women secured a strong 2-0 win over Chelsea Women in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) quarterfinals at the Joie Stadium. This victory ended Chelsea’s 28-match unbeaten run in the season.

The match began with both teams aiming for goals, but neither could net during the first half. In the second half, City turned the match in their favour, thanks to Vivianne Miedema. She scored both goals, with a rebound in the 60th minute and another in the 89th minute through Kerolin Nicoli’s pass.

Chelsea did have a chance to reduce the deficit, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd hitting the bar, but they struggled to break through City’s solid defence.

Man City on changes, Chelsea’s struggles

City’s win was seemingly more impressive given their recent managerial change. The squad dismissed their five-year head coach, Gareth Taylor, which led to questions about City’s remaining fixtures. Former manager, now interim boss, Nick Cushing led the team’s success in this match.

Meanwhile, defender Lucy Bronze said Chelsea were ‘miles off�?their usual level, admitting they lacked energy which led to their defeat. Chelsea must now overturn this loss in the second leg of the quarterfinals on Thursday, March 27.

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