A dramatic 71-minute wait ended in jubilation at Stamford Bridge as Marc Cucurella scored the winner against Manchester United, guaranteeing Chelsea a spot in the Champions League. The victory, coming after eight Premier League defeats for United, marked a significant turn in the season.
Chelsea struggled to break down their hosts, but Reece James’ impressive solo effort and a late header from Cucurella sealed the win. The match was marred by the absence of attacking spark on display, with United struggling to create chances against Chelsea’s defense.
Manager Enzo Maresca praised his team’s resilience, stating that they deserved to win despite being outplayed for much of the game. Chelsea’s top-five fate remains in their hands, but the win provides a boost ahead of Sunday’s final-day fixture at Nottingham Forest.
The result marked a contrasting performance from United, who failed to capitalize on their few scoring opportunities. The defeat, coupled with a worrying goal drought, has raised questions about the team’s long-term prospects.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/may/16/chelsea-manchester-united-premier-league-match-report