Women’s League Cup final: Chelsea block out noise to win yet another trophy
Chelsea came into the game with a formidable record against United, having won 100% of their cup final matches and dropping points in just two of their last 12 league games.
However, injuries to the squad and absences due to the Asian Cup meant Chelsea were depleted; but United were also without key midfielders Hinata Miyazawa and Ella Toone.
There was a feeling that this was United’s best chance of beating Chelsea, with their opponents vulnerable and the ‘mental monsters’ mask appearing to have slipped a little.
But Chelsea’s greatest superpower has been their ability to block out the noise, bounce back from being wiped out and ultimately win prizes.
After 90 minutes it was a familiar sight of Chelsea lifting the trophy, Blues fans celebrating in the stands and Lucy Bronze playing with gold confetti.
Bronze, who won his 24th club trophy, helped Bompastor get his children onto the pitch to celebrate Mother’s Day and the full-back was eager to receive the trophy properly, touching the tip of it when he received the medal.
Chelsea players were gathered as a team, and while Bompastor was giving a message in the center, United captain Maya Le Tissier and manager Marc Skinner were chatting nervously in the center circle for a while.
United had once again broken the deadlock, but that was as usual for Chelsea.
Former England midfielder Fara Williams told BBC One: “There was a lot of noise and that was because Chelsea had won 18 trophies over a period of time.”
“Everyone expects Chelsea to win and they are very used to that. When they have a doubt, eyebrows are raised and questions are asked.
“I think they really proved themselves today.”
Since its introduction in 2011, only three teams have lifted the Women’s League Cup trophy: Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Chelsea swept all domestic cups in 2024-25 in Bompastor’s first season in charge, remaining unbeaten in the process.
They are unlikely to win the trophy again with the changes next season, meaning teams competing in the Women’s Champions League, which Chelsea hope to do, will not be able to enter that competition.
That’s why winning was important; It was important not only to defend his title, block out the noise, but also to enjoy himself once again.
“I told the players before the match that it’s always a special occasion when you get the opportunity to play in the final,” Bompastor said.
“It’s great for us to achieve this once again. It’s a special day in my personal life, too, as it’s Mother’s Day and my children are with me.
“They are my biggest support, so it feels nice and wonderful to give them the opportunity to celebrate.”
