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Chelsea’s relentless pursuit of silverware culminated in a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final, with Sandy Baltimore’s brace and Catarina Macario’s header sealing an unbeaten domestic treble for Sonia Bompastor’s side at a sold-out Wembley. This clinical display underscored Chelsea’s dominance, as they outclassed a spirited United to reclaim the FA Cup and etch their name further into women’s football history.
The first sold-out Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley, marking the 10th anniversary of the competition’s debut at the national stadium, drew 74,412 fans, though ticket pricing and early sales slightly tempered turnout. Despite high expectations, Chelsea’s performance lived up to the occasion, completing a 30-game unbeaten domestic treble, including the Women’s Super League and League Cup.
Bompastor, in her inaugural season, led Chelsea to become the first team to navigate a 22-match WSL campaign without defeat, adding the FA Cup to their League Cup and sixth consecutive WSL title. Chelsea’s victory was defined by their ability to capitalize on key moments, with Sandy Baltimore emerging as the match’s standout performer.
Her first goal came from a penalty just before halftime, after Celin Bizet’s inexplicable foul on Erin Cuthbert in the box prompted referee Stacey Fullicks to point to the spot. Baltimore, unfazed by Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s mind games, powered the ball into the bottom corner, sending the keeper the wrong way. This goal, a crushing blow for United, showcased Chelsea’s composure under pressure.
Six minutes from time, Baltimore’s whipped free-kick from the right was met by substitute Catarina Macario, who powered a header past Tullis-Joyce, doubling Chelsea’s lead. Macario, on for Mayra Ramírez in the 62nd minute, made an immediate impact, earning an 8/10 rating for her lively contribution. Baltimore sealed her player-of-the-match performance in stoppage time, receiving a pass from Wieke Kaptein and spinning to strike a ferocious shot past Tullis-Joyce. Her exquisite cross for Macario’s goal and overall dominance earned her a 9/10 rating.
Manchester United, led by Marc Skinner, started brightly, pressing Chelsea relentlessly and confining them to their half early on. However, their failure to convert chances proved costly. Elisabeth Terland, reinstated in place of Melvine Malard, swung in a cross that Nathalie Björn cleared only to Dominique Janssen, who blazed over from the edge of the box. Terland later headed a golden opportunity straight at Hannah Hampton, earning a 5/10 for lacking quality on the day.
A surprise tactical move saw Ella Toone, United’s player of the season, omitted from the starting XI, with Dominique Janssen, Hinata Miyazawa, and Grace Clinton forming the midfield. Toone, introduced at halftime for the injured Millie Turner, fired a half-volley at Hampton but couldn’t replicate her Wembley heroics from previous finals. United’s defense, featuring Aoife Mannion in place of the injured Jayde Riviere, held firm initially, with Gabby George and Maya Le Tissier making crucial blocks. However, sloppy defending late on allowed Chelsea to exploit gaps, as Kaptein’s pass to Baltimore for the third goal highlighted.
Chelsea’s back three of Nathalie Björn, Millie Bright, and Naomi Girma weathered United’s early storm, with Girma delivering possibly her best performance for the Blues, rated 8/10 for her pace and anticipation. Bright, lifting the FA Cup, remained a mainstay of Chelsea’s decade-long dominance, rated 6/10 for her dependable display. Lucy Bronze’s energy down the right flank caused constant problems, earning a 7/10, while Erin Cuthbert’s grit in midfield, rated 7/10, epitomized Chelsea’s unbeaten campaign.
For United, Leah Galton’s defensive work, including a vital block on Ramírez, earned her a 7/10, but her attacking impact was limited. Phallon Tullis-Joyce made three first-half saves but was undone by Baltimore’s penalty precision, rated 5/10. Grace Clinton, booked for a foul on Cuthbert, struggled to shine, rated 5/10, while Janssen’s missed chance and late struggles at centre-back resulted in a 4/10.
Chelsea’s ability to adapt across game scenarios was evident, as Bompastor’s side executed plans B, C, and D when needed, reflecting their unflusterable nature. Despite not always thrilling, their dogged determination ensured victory, as Cuthbert noted: “Everyone thinks it’s easy, but so much hard work goes into it”. Her post-match lap, raising her arms to the Chelsea fans in the east stand, symbolized the synergy between the team and supporters accustomed to winning.
The final drew notable figures, including tennis legend Serena Williams, her daughter Olympia, and husband Alexis Ohanian, Chelsea’s new minority owner, adding glamour to the occasion. Avram Glazer and Manchester United’s chief executive Omar Berrada were present, but minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was notably absent, as he was for last year’s final.
