Chelsea’s relentless dominance on the domestic front continued with a commanding 3-0 win over Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final, completing a historic treble without a single domestic defeat. Yet, for head coach Sonia Bompastor, the achievement, while significant, was tinged with a sense of unfinished business European glory remains elusive.
After lifting the sixth FA Cup in ten years for the club and finishing the season unbeaten across all domestic competitions, Bompastor quickly turned her attention to the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Chelsea were knocked out in the semi-finals by Barcelona, a defeat that clearly still lingers in the minds of players and staff alike.
Bompastor acknowledged the scale of Chelsea’s domestic success but emphasized the club’s ambition to measure itself against Europe’s elite. “We are super happy but we didn’t win the Champions League, which was also one of our goals,” she said. Players were reportedly already talking about the missing European crown on the Wembley pitch a sign of the collective hunger within the team.
The coach is keen for her side to maintain high standards and push further, stating that it’s not just about dominating in England but also about being able to compete with the best on the continent. Chelsea’s campaign was indeed remarkable; they not only secured the league title by a record 12-point margin but also showcased consistency, tactical strength, and squad depth.
With 18 major trophies won since 2015, Chelsea have built a winning culture that few clubs can rival. This season, they looked more formidable than ever, dismantling challengers with clinical precision. However, Bompastor is aware that true greatness also demands European silverware.
The disparity in investment between clubs was evident at Wembley. Chelsea’s ownership group, including co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly, were visibly present, showing active support. In contrast, Manchester United’s part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was absent for the second consecutive year. Although United had top executives such as Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox in attendance, the contrast underscored the growing financial gap between the clubs.
Bompastor praised the visible backing from Chelsea’s ownership, calling it a powerful motivator for the players. She described it as a reflection of the club’s commitment to women’s football and said it fuels the players’ desire to perform and succeed at the highest level.
From Manchester United’s side, head coach Marc Skinner refrained from criticizing Ratcliffe’s absence, instead focusing on the need for continued investment. He highlighted that consistent backing more than just presence is what will help United close the growing gap in resources and performance. The message was clear: bridging the financial and competitive divide is essential for United to challenge Chelsea’s supremacy.
Adding to the sense of occasion, Alexis Ohanian, Chelsea’s new minority owner and husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, was also in attendance. Ohanian recently acquired a 10% stake in the women’s club for £20 million, underscoring the growing commercial and sporting potential of the women’s game. At half-time, he spoke passionately about the ambition driving Chelsea forward and confidently predicted the women’s team would become a billion-dollar franchise.
As celebrations continued on the pitch, the focus for Chelsea has already shifted. With domestic dominance secured, their gaze is now firmly fixed on conquering Europe an ambition that seems increasingly realistic given the strength, support, and vision surrounding the club.
