Baltimore will remain at Chelsea until 2030

 Sandy Baltimore has officially signed a contract extension keeping her at Chelsea until the summer of 2030. The French forward, who previously played for Paris Saint-Germain, has been a key player for the Blues.

Key Career Highlights

Initial Signing: Joined Chelsea ahead of the 2024/25 season from PSG.

Breakthrough Season: Made 29 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing six assists during a domestic Treble-winning campaign.

Standout Moment: Scored twice in a 3-0 victory against Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final.

Milestone: Reached 50 appearances for Chelsea during her successful 2025/26 campaign.

Sam Kerr will leave Chelsea this summer after a historic six-and-a-half-year run

 Sam Kerr will leave Chelsea this summer after a historic six-and-a-half-year run. With \(115\) goals in \(157\) games, she leaves as one of the club's most influential and prolific strikers.

After six-and-a-half successful seasons, Chelsea Women's star Sam Kerr is set to leave the club upon the expiration of her contract this summer. The Australian forward leaves a lasting legacy.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor reflects on their defeat to Man City

Manchester City Women completed a dramatic comeback against Chelsea Women at Stamford Bridge, overturning a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2. It was a challenging result for the home side after establishing an early advantage.

“I think the sum up of today, is the sum up of our season”

The Match: Chelsea appeared in control, leading 2-0 as late as the 85th minute after goals from Erin Cuthbert (8') and Sam Kerr (59').

The Comeback: Mary Fowler scored for Manchester City in the 86th minute, followed by an equalizer from Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw in stoppage time (\(90+1'\)) to force extra time.

The Winner: Shaw struck again in the 103rd minute with a header to seal the victory.

The Result: Manchester City will play Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on May 31, 2026.

“I think the sum up of today, is the sum up of our season”

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor reflects on their defeat to Man City 🗣️@OliviaBuzaglo | 📺 Stream with TNT Sports on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/BoE9spNqh3

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 10, 2026

Chelsea Women faced a difficult result at Stamford Bridge, falling 3-2 to Manchester City after leading 2-0 early on

Unbelievable scenes at Stamford Bridge as Manchester City staged a massive comeback to beat Chelsea Women 3-2 after being down by two goals.

"Manchester City Women completed a dramatic comeback against Chelsea Women at Stamford Bridge, overturning a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2. It was a challenging result for the home side after establishing an early advantage."

Match Details:

• The Match: Chelsea appeared in control, leading 2-0 as late as the 85th minute after goals from Erin Cuthbert (8') and Sam Kerr (59').

• The Comeback: Mary Fowler scored for Manchester City in the 86th minute, followed by an equalizer from Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw in stoppage time (\(90+1'\)) to force extra time.

• The Winner: Shaw struck again in the 103rd minute with a header to seal the victory.

• The Result: Manchester City will play Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on May 31, 2026.

This result marked a reversal of fortune, as Chelsea had previously defeated Manchester City in other major competitions during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.

Chelsea fc Women Confirmed Line up against Manchester City ahead of the FA Cup Semi-final at Stamford Bridge

 Chelsea fc Woemn Head Coah make four changes to her side for our Women's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

Cuthbert wears the captain's armband once more as she plays her 300th match for Chelsea in this afternoon's fixture.

Chelsea: Hampton, Carpenter, Buurman, Buchanan, Charles, Walsh, Nusken, Cuthbert (c), James, Thompson, Kerr

Substitutes: Peng, Spencer, Baltimore, Kaptein, Rytting Kaneryd, Bronze, Potter, Beever-Jones, Sarwie

WSL Star Set to Leave Manchester City for Chelsea fc

 Manchester City’s leading striker Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw is expected to depart the club upon the expiration of her contract this summer, according to reports from Tom Garry. While discussions regarding a new deal have been ongoing since early 2026, parties have not reached an agreement. Chelsea is heavily rumored to be leading the race to sign the top scorer on a free transfer, with other European and NWSL clubs also showing significant interest in securing her signature.

Sam Kerr reflects on becoming Chelsea's All time WSL TOP Scorer

 Sam Kerr has cemented her legacy as a Chelsea legend by becoming the club's all-time top scorer in the Women's Super League (WSL). With her 64th league goal in a 3-1 victory over Leicester City, the Australian striker surpassed Fran Kirby to reach a remarkable new milestone.

Key Takeaways: Sam Kerr's Record-Breaking Goal

• The Milestone: Kerr hit 64 WSL goals for Chelsea, making her the club's highest-ever scorer in the competition.
• 
  
• The Match: The achievement came during a 3-1 win against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
• 
  
• Classic Finish: Typical of her career, Kerr secured the record with a well-timed header.
• 
  
• Reflections: Despite the achievement, Kerr demonstrated her high standards, expressing hunger for more goals after missing a similar chance in the previous match against Everton.

Kerr's continued success is a testament to her impact on the club since joining from the USA. She continues to lead from the front, aiming for even more achievements at the highest level.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chelsea FC Women (@chelseafcw)

Chelsea Women Secure Champions League Spot with Tactical 3-1 Win over Leicester

 Chelsea Women solidified their place in next year’s Women's Champions League with a professional 3-1 away victory against Leicester City, highlighting the tactical depth of Sonia Bompastor’s squad.

The match, which saw the Blues take control from the opening whistle, was marked by key performances from Sam Kerr and Lauren James. Kerr made history in the 13th minute, scoring her 64th Women's Super League goal with a clinical header from a Niamh Charles cross, making her Chelsea's all-time top WSL scorer.

Following a lively start, Lauren James doubled the lead in the 27th minute with a sophisticated strike from the edge of the area, before adding a second just before half-time with a free-kick that found the back of the net.

Leicester City displayed resilience, pulling a goal back before the break through Shannon O'Brien, and continued to pose a defensive challenge in the second half. However, Chelsea's early dominance was sufficient to secure the crucial points needed to guarantee European competition next season.

This professional display allowed Chelsea to rotate their full squad, showcasing the depth and skill of the side as they move towards the end of the campaign.

Sam Kerr Makes History as Chelsea Women’s All-Time WSL Top Scorer

 Sam Kerr has cemented her legacy at Chelsea by becoming the club's all-time leading goalscorer in the Women’s Super League. With her 64th league goal, the Australian forward overtook the previous record, highlighting her incredible impact on the team's success in the 2025/26 season.

Chelsea captain Millie Bright has retired from football with immediate effect after 12 years

After a very beautiful career, an era comes to an End  as Chelsea women team most talented Captain Millie Bright has retired from football with immediate effect after 12 years, 314 appearances and 20 trophies.

Bright will be staying on at the club as a trustee of the #CFC Foundation and starting a new role as a Chelsea ambassador.

Her quite below: 

🗣️ Bright: “Representing Chelsea over the last 12 years has been everything to me, but I'm now ready to say goodbye to playing football. I’ve given all I can, and I never wanted to fight for any other badge.

“It’s now time, and I'm ready to go into a new era. I’m always going to be Chelsea, but just in a different way.”

Chelsea will mark Bright’s retirement on May 16 at their final WSL game of the season against Manchester United.

Two significant landmarks were hit during the Blues' convincing 4-1 victory over Everton

 Two significant landmarks were hit during the Blues' convincing 4-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park, with Sam Kerr equalling Fran Kirby as our leading Women's Super League goal scorer and Sjoeke Nusken making her 100th Chelsea appearance.

Sonia Bompastor's side opened the scoring after just six minutes, as a well-worked move ended with a typically clinical Kerr finish. Yet Everton quickly responded, Yuka Momiki scoring a fine effort from distance, and the game was level at the interval.

The Blues had work to do in the second period, and we wasted little time in getting it done. Kerr struck her second of the game - and a record-equalling 63rd in the WSL for Chelsea - moments after the restart and Ellie Carpenter then grabbed our third.

With 20 minutes remaining, Erin Cuthbert drilled home a shot from inside the box to make it four, before the Blues saw out the game to take another important step towards qualifying for the UEFA Women's Champions League next season.

Early goals

Bompastor made two alterations to her starting XI, bringing Lucy Bronze and Veerle Buurman into the defence, in place of Kadeisha Buchanan and Naomi Girma.

The Blues started brightly, with Alyssa Thompson and Carpenter combining well down the right. Yet our opener, scored after just six minutes, came through the middle.

After collecting the ball in midfield, Lauren James danced her way into space and found Cuthbert. The Scotland international played the ball through to Kerr, and the striker finished low into the bottom corner

Our lead didn't last long, though. Receiving the ball in space 30 yards from goal, Momiki looped a quality strike over Hannah Hampton and into the top corner.

Pushing hard

As the half progressed, we began to regain control and created further chances to score. The first came from a long ball forward from James as she sought out Kerr, but the striker had her shot charged down by an Everton defender.

Thompson then took the chance to fire an effort at goal as she spotted an opportunity from a tight angle, but her attempt went over the bar.

The Blues were building pressure, though, and Keira Walsh took a shot from distance following a Chelsea corner. While the attempt was powerful, Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan was able to collect.

Walsh then had another go from distance. While Brosnan saved the shot once again, the midfielder was in the mood to cause problems for the Everton stopper. James had her shot from the edge of the penalty area blocked and Nusken had an effort saved just before the break, so the sides went in at half-time all square.

Taking control

The home side went close straight from the kick off as Carpenter did just enough to prevent Mayumi Pachecho from heading in at the far post, but then Chelsea seized our opportunity in the transition.

A through-ball from James picked out Kerr perfectly, and the Australian slotted home her club-record-equalling strike to put us 2-1 in front. She could've had her hat-trick soon afterwards, too. One shot went just wide before she was flagged offside with a second attempt in quick succession, but it mattered little as her compatriot Carpenter soon weighed in with a goal of her own.

Thompson received the ball on the right wing and played a square ball low and hard across the box. Carpenter took a second to make sure the ball was fully under control, before chipping her finish over Brosnan. The advantage was firmly with the Blues.

Securing the win

The second half had seen wave after wave of Chelsea attacks and captain Cuthbert pounced on the opportunity to score her first WSL goal since September with a strong finish on the rebound from a blocked Kerr shot.

Everton rallied in the final stages and crafted a couple of opportunities to score. Still, the Chelsea defence held firm, and substitute Chloe Sarwie contributed with two key defensive interventions, as the 17-year-old impressed once again.

After a shaky start, this was an assured performance from Chelsea and, combined with Manchester United's 0-0 draw at Tottenham Hotspur, the Blues took a big step towards qualification for next year's Champions League.

What it means...

We remain in second place in the WSL table and are now four points clear of Manchester United.

What comes next...

We will travel to Leicester City in the Women's Super League on Sunday 3 May.

The teams

Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Hampton; Carpenter, Bronze, Buurman (Sarwie 78), Charles (Buchanan 60); Walsh (Potter 71); James (Baltimore 71), Nusken, Cuthbert (c), Thompson (Rytting Kaneryd 60); Kerr

Unused subs: Spencer, Peng, Shooter

Scorers: Kerr 6, 47, Carpenter 53, Cuthbert 70

Booked: Charles 44

Everton (4-4-2): Brosnan (c), Blundell, Fernandez, Wheeler, Payne, Gago, Vignola (Snoeijs 78), Galli (Hayashi 68), Stenevik, Momiki (Harbert 85), Pacheco

Unused subs: Ramsey, Kramzar, Jones

Scorer: Momiki 10

Booked: Stenevik 87

Referee: Ross Martin

Bompastor updates on Bright and Beever-Jones fitness ahead of Everton

 Sonia Bompastor has confirmed Chelsea will be without Mille Bright and Aggie Beever-Jones for our Women's Super League clash against Everton.

Following a near-three-week international break, the Blues return to action on Sunday with a trip to Goodison Park. Three points are needed on Merseyside as we look to seal qualification for next season's UEFA Women's Champions League.

Bright hasn't featured for Chelsea since early February due to an ankle injury sustained in a WSL victory at Tottenham Hotspur. Beever-Jones, meanwhile, has missed our previous four games.

Bompastor hoped prior to the international break that she would be able to call upon the duo for this weekend's fixture, however the Blues head coach has confirmed our defender and forward's respective recoveries are not yet complete.

'No, both of them won't be available [for the game],' explained Bompastor in her pre-match press conference. 'I think Millie's rehab is taking longer than we hoped, but Aggie is close to a return. Not for this weekend, but probably the following weekend.'

Bompastor was rejoined at Cobham on Wednesday by the Chelsea players who had travelled the globe to represent their countries during the international break.

She confirmed that nobody had returned with any injury concerns and that the players had quickly refocused on the importance of ending the season strongly.

She said: 'In terms of players' availability, we are in a good place. Everyone came back well, both mentally and physically. We had great energy yesterday on the pitch and this morning in training sessions.

'There were a lot of smiles on the faces, which I think is great – the weather helps for sure, but also the quality of the training session. I think as a group we are happy to be back together, focusing on the last block of the season. It's a really important one for us.'

Two former Blues inducted into WSL Hall of Fame

 The Women’s Super League has today welcomed ex-Chelsea defender Casey Stoney into its Hall of Fame, as well as a posthumous induction for the late former Blues boss Matt Beard.

The awards come as recognition of their individual outstanding contributions to the women’s professional game, and the decision was made by a panel featuring former players, coaches, officials, journalists and key figures.

This year's WSL Hall of Fame alumni were handed the chance to join the panel and cast their votes, with ex-Blues Anita Asante, Katie Chapman and Emma Hayes involved alongside former referee Rebecca Welch and Steph Houghton, Rachel Yankey, Jill Scott and Alex Scott.

Beard’s reign at Chelsea began in 2009, and he made history when taking charge of our first WSL fixture in 2011. The popular coach helped shape Chelsea Women during his three years in charge (2009 to 2012) and laid many foundations before Emma Hayes' arrival. He also guided the Blues to our first Women's FA Cup final in 2012.

Spells at Liverpool and West Ham United followed, and he went on to win two league titles whilst on Merseyside in 2013 and 2014, and led the Hammers to the 2019 Women’s FA Cup Final.

It was back in 2007 when Stoney first joined the Blues, and after a short stint as player-manager, she worked closely under Beard during those early days until leaving for Lincoln Ladies in 2010.

After hanging up her boots in 2018, Stoney would go on to become the first coach of Manchester United's women's team, and is now in charge of the Canada Women's National Team, where she can now name Chelsea's Kadeisha Buchanan on her roster.

The former Chelsea duo will be officially inducted during next month's WSL awards.

Chelsea FC Women to call Stamford Bridge home: A new era begins

 Chelsea FC Women (CFCW) today announces that from the 2026/27 season the first team will play all Women’s Super League matches at Stamford Bridge.

Following consultation with the Chelsea Women players, partners, our Fan Advisory Board (FAB) and other CFCW fan groups, the women's team will make the iconic ground its permanent home. The legendary stadium, in the heart of west London and long-standing home to 40,000 passionate football fans, will welcome the eight-time WSL champions and supporters from September.

Stamford Bridge will give CFCW a stage befitting the club’s achievements and ambition, a place to compete and win. It is more than a venue - it is a statement of intent. With every Barclays WSL fixture set to be played at Stamford Bridge, this move reflects the club’s unwavering belief in the long-term opportunity in women’s football as well as the responsibility the club has to help push the game forward.

By establishing a permanent home at Stamford Bridge, CFCW is investing not just in today, but in a legacy. Playing at Stamford Bridge will elevate visibility, provide consistency for fans, unlock potential, and inspire the next generation as the sport continues to grow.

The stadium move is announced alongside the launch of a new brand identity: Never Done – a movement as well as a reflection of the CFCW spirit, encapsulating what the club stands for and how CFCW approaches everything it does on and off the pitch, not just for now but for the next generation.

Inspired by the Chelsea family, players past and present, our fans and our community, CFCW has an ever-ambitious drive to break down barriers and push the game forwards in every way. CFCW is never done winning, never done challenging itself and never done pushing for progress on and off the pitch.

Women’s football has grown exponentially in recent years, thanks to participation at a grassroots level and fans watching the action live, week-in and week-out. CFCW’s loyal fanbase at Kingsmeadow has played its part in that trajectory. Kingsmeadow has been the club’s home for almost a decade; it made CFCW the first women’s team to own their own stadium. The beloved stadium will continue to be a part of the CFCW journey, hosting more academy matches from next season and giving the next generation of Blues a place to forge their footballing careers.

At Stamford Bridge, CFCW has attracted new fans – some for their first-ever football game – and moving forward, matchdays at Stamford Bridge will offer fans old and new the breadth of experiences they have grown to love. With unmissable moments created through a variety of packages - from Families at the Bridge to the club’s sell-out hospitality offering Bottomless at the Bridge – this move provides the opportunity to continue innovating and bring supporters more of what they love.

Welcoming Blues fans and those that are new to the sport, or who want to create memories on a unique day out in London, Stamford Bridge will be an inclusive and fully accessible space for all ages and needs, with additional wheelchair space in-bowl and a fully equipped sensory room.

Naomi Girma on target as USA see off Japan

 Naomi Girma bagged a goal as the USA defeated Japan 3-0 on Saturday night to conclude a three-game friendly series between the two sides.

Emma Hayes' had already won one and lost one match in this triple header, but brought many of her starters back into the line-up for the final encounter in Colorado, including Girma and Alyssa Thompson.

The match was goalless when the two sides went in at the break, although Girma had seen a header go over the bar and Thompson had done well to beat her defender on the left and lay the ball off to Clare Hutton, who then hit the woodwork with her shot.

The US came out with renewed resolve after the interval, and it was Girma who broke the deadlock less than three minutes after the restart with her first international goal since October 2024.

That breakthrough came when Rose Lavelle's corner came to Kennedy Wesley at the far post, and the defender headed the ball back across goal to her former Stanford University team-mate Girma for her to send a powerful header into the back of the net.

The second came less than ten minutes later when a defence-splitting long pass from Trinity Rodman sent Lavelle off on the counter, before she slotted home with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Hayes made a double substitution just after the hour mark, replacing Thompson and her sister Giselle with Jaedyn Shaw and Avery Patterson. It was after those switches that the US hit their third goal as Wesley struck from a corner with the outside of her boot.

Girma was replaced by Lilly Reale with seven minutes to play, as the US closed out their second win in this three-game series against Japan.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by U.S. Soccer WNT (@uswnt)

Chelsea Women Star Sam Kerr Leads CommBank Matildas to Historic First FIFA Series Title in Kenya

Australian football icon and Chelsea Women forward Sam Kerr delivered a captain’s performance, scoring her 75th international goal as the CommBank Matildas claimed their first-ever FIFA Series title with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over hosts Kenya in the final at Nyayo National Stadium.

The win capped a dominant campaign for the Matildas in the inaugural FIFA Series 2026, following a commanding 5-0 triumph over Malawi earlier in the window. Kerr opened the scoring in the 25th minute against Kenya with a clinical finish from a corner, before Clare Wheeler added a second-half strike to secure the trophy and an unbeaten record.

Kerr, who has been a trailblazer for Australian and world women’s football, described the moment as a proud achievement for the team: “This is for the girls, for the fans back home, and for everyone who’s supported us. Winning the first FIFA Series title means a lot – it shows the depth and character in this squad.” Her goal, though she later called it one of her softer strikes after a goalkeeper error, marked another milestone in a glittering career that includes over 100 goals for Chelsea since joining the club in 2020.

The match was competitive, with Kenya’s Harambee Starlets creating chances and testing the Matildas’ defence in front of a passionate home crowd. A potential third goal from Caitlin Foord was controversially disallowed, but Australia maintained control to earn a clean sheet and lift the trophy amid celebrations filled with confetti and team camaraderie.

Football Australia CEO praised the squad’s resilience: “The Matildas continue to set the standard on the international stage. Sam Kerr’s leadership, combined with the squad’s depth, has delivered this historic win. It’s a fantastic way to build momentum heading into future competitions.”

The FIFA Series provides valuable competitive opportunities for national teams outside of major tournament windows. For the Matildas, the success in Kenya reinforces their status as one of the world’s top women’s sides following their strong showing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil.

Kerr and her Chelsea teammates will now return to club duties, where she continues to be a key figure in the Barclays Women’s Super League. Fans and teammates worldwide have flooded social media with congratulations, highlighting the global impact of her leadership.

Congratulations, Sam! 👏

Quotes:

“Leading the team to this title in Kenya has been special. We faced tough opposition and came through together – that’s what the Matildas are all about.” – Sam Kerr, Matildas Captain and Chelsea Women forward.

Chelsea have been drawn to play Manchester City in the semi-finals of this season's Women's FA Cup.

 The Blues booked our place in the last four with a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Kingsmeadow on Easter Monday.

We took the lead when Sam Kerr headed in from a Keira Walsh cross, but Spurs fought back courtesy of an excellent free-kick from Evaliina Summanen. As the tie looked like it may be heading for extra time, 19-year-old defender Veerle Buurman netted a stunning winner to put us in the last four.

The semi-final draw took place before the quarter-final tie between Birmingham City and Manchester City kicked off at St Andrew's on Monday afternoon.

And the Blues, six-time Women's FA Cup winners, were drawn at home against the winner of that game, later confirmed as Man City following their 1-0 victory.

Our semi-final will be played at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 10 May 2026.

Women's FA Cup semi-final draw in full: 

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Chelsea vs Manchester City

Sam Kerr has cast fresh doubt over her future at Chelsea

 Matildas captain Sam Kerr has cast fresh doubt over her future at Chelsea after reports emerged she is set to join NWSL expansion side Denver Summit FC.

The 32-year-old striker is out of contract at the end of the season and has been heavily linked with a return to the United States, where she previously dominated as one of the league's biggest stars.

But Kerr appeared to push back on the speculation in a cryptic social media post, writing: 'Don't believe everything you read in the media man, they know a decision before me'.

It remains unclear whether Kerr was denying the reports outright or expressing frustration at the timing of the leak.

The transfer speculation intensified just hours after Chelsea were knocked out of the Women's Champions League, falling 3-2 on aggregate to Arsenal in a quarter-final defeat that has deepened scrutiny on the club's season.

Kerr has spent six seasons at Chelsea, scoring 106 goals in 147 appearances and helping deliver five Women's Super League titles and three FA Cups. 

However, her role has diminished since returning from a serious ACL injury, with the striker limited to just two league starts this campaign.

Despite Chelsea's struggles in front of goal, Kerr has found it difficult to reclaim a consistent starting position, raising questions about her long-term future at the club.

Reports suggest Denver Summit FC - a new NWSL franchise backed by NFL great Peyton Manning and Olympic skiing champion Mikaela Shiffrin - is preparing a marquee move to secure Kerr as a headline signing.

The club has already begun building a competitive squad for its inaugural season, and landing Kerr would represent one of the most significant signings in its short history.

A move to the United States would also carry personal significance for Kerr, allowing her to base herself closer to her wife, American international Kristie Mewis. The couple welcomed their first child, Jagger, last year.

Kerr's history in the NWSL further strengthens the appeal of a return, having been a two-time MVP and the league's all-time leading goalscorer during her previous stint in the competition.

While her club future remains unresolved, Kerr continues to play a central role for Australia. She recently scored four goals during the Women's Asian Cup and has been named to captain the Matildas in an upcoming international series in Kenya.

For Chelsea, the prospect of losing one of the greatest forwards in women's football on a free transfer would mark a significant turning point, particularly as the club enters a period of transition following a disappointing campaign.

Whether Kerr stays in London or returns to the United States, her next move looms as one of the biggest decisions of her decorated career.

Source: DAILYMAIL

Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal (Agg: 2-3): Dramatic Stoppage-Time Goal Not Enough as Blues Exit Champions League Quarter-Finals Amid Controversial Finale at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea Women produced a spirited performance in front of a passionate Stamford Bridge crowd but were eliminated from the UEFA Women’s Champions League at the quarter-final stage despite a 1-0 victory in the second leg against Arsenal on Wednesday evening. Arsenal progressed 3-2 on aggregate.

Sjoeke Nüsken’s injury-time strike gave the Blues a late lifeline and sparked wild celebrations among the home supporters, but it ultimately proved insufficient to overturn the deficit from the first leg. The match will, however, be remembered for a fiery finale that saw head coach Sonia Bompastor sent off following an extraordinary incident involving Arsenal’s Katie McCabe.

With the clock ticking deep into stoppage time and Chelsea pressing for a second goal that would have forced extra time, McCabe appeared to deliberately pull the hair of Chelsea forward Alyssa Thompson, dragging her to the ground. Referee Frida Klarlund waved play on, and despite the availability of VAR, no review was undertaken, and no sanction was issued to the Arsenal player.

Bompastor, visibly incensed by the non-decision, protested strongly on the touchline. She was shown a first yellow card for her protests, followed moments later by a second yellow – and subsequent red card – after continuing to voice her frustration. The French coach was ordered from the technical area in the dying seconds of a match already charged with high emotion.

Speaking after the match, a clearly frustrated Sonia Bompastor said:  

“I had one of my players’ hair pulled. For me, it is clearly a red card for the Arsenal player. I don’t understand why VAR didn’t check that situation. My players deserve better. They deserve more respect. If the VAR is not able to intervene in that moment, I don’t know why we have VAR.”

The 31-year-old McCabe later posted on social media claiming she was “genuinely reaching for the shirt” and offered her opponent “full respect,” but video footage of the incident has sparked widespread debate and condemnation across football circles.

### Match Summary

Chelsea dominated large periods of the contest and showed tremendous character to push until the final whistle despite trailing on aggregate. Nüsken’s composed finish in the 90+ minute provided a moment of hope, but Arsenal’s defensive resilience and earlier first-leg advantage proved decisive.

The result ends Chelsea’s European campaign for this season, a disappointing outcome for a side that has dominated domestically in recent years. However, the performance – particularly in the second half – demonstrated the squad’s fighting spirit and quality as they now refocus on domestic objectives.

### Club Statement

Chelsea Football Club fully supports Sonia Bompastor and her reaction to the incident. Player safety and the integrity of the game must remain paramount. We expect UEFA to thoroughly review the refereeing decisions and VAR protocol applied in this match.

We congratulate Arsenal on their progression and thank our supporters for creating an electric atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. The club will now turn its attention to the remainder of the Barclays Women’s Super League campaign, where we continue to fight on all fronts.

“I don’t understand why the VAR cannot check that… the refereeing is not good enough.” 🗣️

Sonia Bompastor reacts to the incident involving Katie McCabe pulling Alyssa Thompson’s hair and the controversial decision not to show a red card 😳 pic.twitter.com/cxrO4kKRBj

— W Golazo (@WGolazo) April 1, 2026

Chelsea FC Women Secure Thrilling 4-3 Victory Over Aston Villa Women in Barclays Women's Super League Thriller

Chelsea FC Women produced a captivating performance this afternoon, overcoming Aston Villa Women 4-3 in a high-scoring Barclays Women's Super League encounter at Kingsmeadow. The Blues fought back from an early deficit and a level scoreline at half-time to claim all three points with a dramatic late winner, moving them back into second place in the table and keeping their title hopes alive.

Aston Villa took a shock lead in just the second minute when Chasity Grant finished clinically from close range. Chelsea responded strongly, equalising in the 20th minute through Sam Kerr, who continued her strong form. The home side then surged ahead with quickfire goals from Naomi Girma (23') and Lauren James (27'), taking a 3-1 advantage into the latter stages of the first half.

Villa refused to lie down, however, and Kirsty Hanson struck twice in four minutes (31' and 35') to level the scores at 3-3 by half-time in an enthralling, end-to-end contest.

The second half remained tense, with both teams pushing for a decisive goal. Chelsea's persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when Sjoeke Nüsken fired home what proved to be the winner, sending the Kingsmeadow crowd into raptures and securing a vital victory.

Head Coach Sonia Bompastor praised her team's resilience: "It was a rollercoaster of a match, but the character and quality shown by the players, especially in coming back multiple times, shows the spirit in this squad. Sam, Lauren, Naomi and Sjoeke all contributed brilliantly, and the fans were fantastic in supporting us through such an open game."

The win sees Chelsea strengthen their position in the upper reaches of the WSL, with key performers including Lauren James, who was involved in several goals, and goalkeeper who made important saves to keep the Blues in contention during Villa's purple patch.

Chelsea FC Women will now look to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign on both domestic and European fronts.

**Match Details**  

**Chelsea Women 4-3 Aston Villa Women**  

**Scorers:**  

Chelsea: Sam Kerr (20'), Naomi Girma (23'), Lauren James (27'), Sjoeke Nüsken (82')  

Aston Villa: Chasity Grant (2'), Kirsty Hanson (31', 35')  

**Attendance:** Capacity crowd at Kingsmeadow