Manchester City Women Knocked Out of Champions League by Ruthless Chelsea

03/28/2025 07:15 AM

Blues Destroyed at Stamford Bridge

Manchester City Women's hopes of reaching the Champions League semi-final were ended on Thursday night as Chelsea produced a devastating display to knock out the Blues. First half goals from Sandy Baltimore, Nathalie Bjorn and Mayra Ramirez were enough for the champions to overturn a 2-0 first leg deficit and set up a last four meeting with Barcelona.

City needed just a draw or even a narrow single goal defeat to progress and give their supporters something to cheer after a season that offered so much at the start, but has delivered so little. But Chelsea needed a three goal swing in their favour and, buoyed by their last minute 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, they set out early to ensure qualification and a last-four date with the current holders.

Chelsea hit the woodwork twice in the opening 15 minutes, with Bjorn heading against the post as the home side pressed City back into their own half. Former City defender Lucy Bronze was then allowed to run at the City defence and when her effort rebounded off the post, Baltimore drove the rebound into the back of the goal to set Chelsea on their way.

City did have a chance to level when Mary Fowler saw her shot saved, but it was one of the few chances City produced throughout the match. The Blues defended desperately at times, with Khiara Keating called into action and it was a case of when, not if, Chelsea levelled the aggregate score.

Seven minutes before the interval, Bjorn rose highest to meet Baltimore's cross from a corner to make it 2-0 to Chelsea on the night and five minutes later, Ramirez finished off a good attack by the home side, sweeping the ball into the goal to effectively secure the tie.

City needed one goal to take the tie to extra time but not even WSL top scorer Vivianne Miedema could produce anything on a bleak night for City. Erin Cuthbert, Sunday's last minute hero, hit the bar as the home side looked to put the game beyond doubt.

The Blues simply had no answer and in the end, it was a fourth defeat of the season to Chelsea and manager Nick Cushing, should he stay on at the Joie Stadium for a second spell as permanent manager, will have much to reflect on and now must pick his side up for the trip to Brighton on Sunday.

Final Score: Chelsea Women 3-0 Manchester City Women