Chelsea have clinched qualification for next season’s Champions League. The dethroned champions will have to settle for a Champions League spot as Man City close in on the title. Arsenal will likely secure the last European berth, barring any slip-ups in their two games in hand.
Chelsea Pleased with Champions League Qualification
Chelsea defender Ellie Carpenter spoke after the game. “For us coming into this game the most important thing was the three points,” she said. “We’re very happy that we have now clinched the Champions League, and now we can focus on Manchester United.”
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor shared her thoughts on the game. “In the first half we controlled the game, we created a lot of chances and scored three goals,” she said. “We lost a bit of control in the last 10 minutes of the first half. I think in second half, we weren’t good enough from our standard. We need to be more demanding of each other as a team for sure. The good thing was that we could rotate the squad and go into the next game with confidence.”
Praise for Lauren James and Lexi Potter
Bompastor also praised Lauren James. “I really have fun watching LJ [Lauren James] when she plays at that level,” she said. “I think she is one of the best players in the world when she is playing with that quality, and no one needs to teach her this quality. Her talent is great to watch for the fans and her teammates. For the women’s game it’s very important to have a player like her.”
Bompastor addressed the decision to substitute James. “No, it was part of the plan, but of course it is always good when the players want to stay on the pitch,” she explained. “It was part of the plan to go in to the game with fresh legs though.”
Lexi Potter also earned praise from the manager. “She’s young, but she has a lot of confidence on the pitch no matter who she is up against,” Bompastor said. “Lexi probably deserves to play more. We have quality in Keira Walsh as well. It’s not always easy to get minutes. I am happy every time she plays. Even though she is young, she is really mature with and without the football.”
Sam Kerr’s Goalscoring Record
Carpenter commented on Sam Kerr becoming Chelsea’s leading goalscorer in the Women’s Super League of all time. “ I think that she is a world class striker and I’m happy to see her thriving after that long spell she had out with her knee, and I’m hap
Leicester’s Fight for Survival
Leicester’s relegation play-off fate was already sealed. Their second half showing gives hope that they will make strides to that second chance at survival.
The 2025-26 season is almost over, with one game to go.