Chelsea secured their sixth consecutive Women’s Super League title with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village. The victory, clinched with two games still to play, underlined Chelsea’s dominance in English women’s football and kept them on track for an unbeaten league campaign something no team has achieved since the WSL expanded to a 12-team format.
The match-winner came in the 74th minute when Lucy Bronze rose at the near post to head in a corner from Sandy Baltimore. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Chelsea supporters, who witnessed their team not only secure the title but also bounce back from a painful 8-2 aggregate defeat to Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League just days earlier.
Before kick-off, Chelsea had already received a boost as news filtered through from Villa Park that Arsenal, their closest title rivals, had suffered a stunning 5-2 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa. Arsenal, fresh from a historic win over Lyon to reach the Women’s Champions League final, had needed a win to keep their slim title hopes alive. However, the shock result left Chelsea needing just a point to seal the championship, and they responded with a composed and professional performance.
Manchester United started brightly and played with intensity, knowing that a win would have all but secured them a place in next season’s Champions League. They created the better chances in the first half, with Grace Clinton almost scoring from a rebound after Melvine Malard’s shot was parried by Hannah Hampton. Naomi Girma, Chelsea’s world-record signing, made a crucial block to deny Clinton and showed why the club invested so heavily in her talent.
United were left frustrated by the officials late in the first half, believing they should have been awarded a penalty after Clinton appeared to be brought down by Millie Bright. Replays showed contact, but the referee waved away appeals.
Chelsea suffered a setback when Colombian forward Mayra Ramírez had to leave the field with an injury. Her absence was a blow, especially given her previous dominance against United in a 6-0 thrashing at Old Trafford last season. Still, Chelsea adapted and continued to pose a threat, especially down the flanks.
Both goalkeepers were called into action early in the second half, with Hampton and United’s Phallon Tullis-Joyce pulling off excellent saves to keep the game goalless. United began to build pressure, pushing for a goal that would have taken them into second place, but Chelsea’s resilience held firm.
The decisive moment came when Baltimore delivered an inswinging corner and Bronze, timing her run perfectly, guided the ball past Tullis-Joyce. The goal not only sealed the win but also the title, and Chelsea’s players celebrated with their traveling fans, fully aware of the significance of the achievement.
This latest triumph marks Chelsea’s eighth WSL title since 2015 and their 17th major trophy in a decade. In Sonia Bompastor’s first season in charge, the team has already lifted the League Cup and now stands just one win away from completing a domestic treble. The season could conclude on an even higher note when Chelsea and Manchester United meet again in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley in May.
