In a dominant performance at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, May 18, 2025, Chelsea Women defeated Manchester United 3-0 to clinch the FA Cup title. This victory marked the club’s sixth FA Cup triumph and completed an unbeaten domestic treble under the guidance of manager Sonia Bompastor. The Blues had previously secured the Women’s Super League (WSL) and League Cup titles, showcasing their dominance in English women’s football.
Match Overview
The final saw Chelsea women take control early, with Sandy Baltimore opening the scoring just before halftime through a well-executed penalty. In the second half, Baltimore turned provider, delivering a precise free-kick that allowed Catarina Macario to head in the second goal. Baltimore capped off her outstanding performance with a powerful individual effort in stoppage time, securing the win for Chelsea women.
Despite a spirited start from Manchester United, Chelsea’s solid three-centre-back formation and midfield dominance limited United’s attacking opportunities. United’s offense struggled to challenge Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who remained largely untested throughout the match.
Managerial Excellence
Sonia Bompastor’s appointment as head coach in May 2024 proved to be a masterstroke. In her debut season, she led Chelsea to an unbeaten domestic campaign, emphasizing tactical flexibility and squad depth. Bompastor’s ability to adapt her strategies and manage player rotations was evident throughout the season, culminating in the FA Cup final victory.
Player Highlights from Chelsea women
- Sandy Baltimore: The French winger was instrumental in Chelsea’s success, contributing two goals and an assist in the final. Her pace, creativity, and finishing ability made her a constant threat to the opposition.
- Catarina Macario: The American forward’s header in the 84th minute sealed the victory for Chelsea. Her movement off the ball and aerial prowess were key components of Chelsea’s attacking strategy.
- Hannah Hampton: The goalkeeper’s commanding presence and shot-stopping abilities ensured Chelsea’s clean sheet in the final. Her distribution from the back initiated several attacking moves for the team.
Historic Achievement
The 2025 FA Cup final was held at a sold-out Wembley Stadium, with 74,412 fans in attendance. This match marked the 55th edition of the Women’s FA Cup and the 31st to be played directly under the auspices of The Football Association. Chelsea’s victory not only added another trophy to their cabinet but also underscored their status as a powerhouse in women’s football.
What’s Next
With the domestic treble secured, Chelsea Women will now shift their focus to the upcoming UEFA Women’s Champions League season. The team’s blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents positions them as strong contenders on the European stage. Manager Bompastor’s leadership and the squad’s cohesion will be pivotal as they aim to build on their domestic success and challenge for continental honors.
