Chelsea edge past United to boost Champions League hopes

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Chelsea 1 - 0 Manchester United

Chelsea have strengthened their chances of securing a Champions League place next season after Marc Cucurella’s second-half header clinched a hard-fought victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Author - Lauren W

Stadium - Stamford Bridge

English football ~ 24/25 run in - Premier League | Chelsea v Man United

The Spanish full-back met Reece James’s superb delivery from the right to nod in what proved to be the winner, lifting Chelsea into fourth in the Premier League with just one round of fixtures remaining.

They went into the match knowing that victory was crucial to keep control of their own European fate. They are now level on points with Aston Villa but edge ahead on goal difference, and sit one point clear of sixth-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

Despite a looming Europa League final against Tottenham on Wednesday, United manager Rúben Amorim fielded a strong side in west London. His decision nearly paid off when Harry Maguire volleyed home midway through the first half, only for the goal to be disallowed following a VAR check for offside.

READ MORE: Premier League: 2024/2025 season

Chelsea had chances of their own, with James clipping the outside of the post just before the interval. The hosts believed they had been awarded a penalty when Tyrique George was brought down by André Onana early in the second half, but replays showed the United goalkeeper had reached the ball first.

Cucurella finally broke the deadlock when he rose at the far post to steer James’s curling cross past Onana, sparking celebrations among the home support.

Chelsea will now head to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season knowing a win will seal their return to Europe’s top competition.

Defeat for United was their 18th in 37 league matches and leaves them 16th in the table, underlining the scale of the challenge facing Amorim at Old Trafford.

Man United fans still made themselves heard

Just like their 4-3 defeat against Brentford, United fans still made a decent atmosphere as excitement and anticipation is clearly building towards that Europa League final. Check out this YouTube short from Super News Afiliate.

Chelsea find their form just in time

After a promising start to the campaign that saw them tipped as potential title contenders, Chelsea’s form dipped sharply in mid-season, casting doubt on their European ambitions.

However, a timely revival in April, including three consecutive victories, helped reignite their push for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.

A 2-0 defeat at Newcastle in their previous outing had left their position precarious, making this final home game of the season a must-win.

READ MORE: Premier League: 2024/2025 season

Their task was complicated by injuries and suspensions that left them without a senior striker, pushing academy forward Tyrique George into the starting eleven.

For much of the evening, Chelsea lacked cutting edge in the final third and Onana remained largely untroubled. But once ahead, the hosts looked the more determined side and managed the closing stages well, securing three vital points that could prove decisive in the race for Europe.

Location: Fulham Rd., London SW6 1HS, UK

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