Chelsea secured a vital 1-0 victory against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, with Marc Cucurella’s decisive header helping the Blues climb to fourth place in the Premier League.
United, preparing for next week’s Europa League final against Tottenham, pushed Chelsea hard, but ultimately suffered their 18th league defeat of the season, remaining stuck in 16th place.
Chelsea’s manager Ruben Amorim named a strong starting lineup, resisting calls to rest key players despite United’s struggles this season. Captain Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and Casemiro all started for the Red Devils.
Chelsea were without their usual strikers Nicolas Jackson (suspended) and Christopher Nkunku (injured), forcing teenager Tyrique George to lead the attack in an unfamiliar role. This lack of a focal point upfront made it difficult for Chelsea to break through United’s defence early on.
United came close when Harry Maguire’s header from a Fernandes cross was ruled out by VAR for a tight offside call. Chelsea’s best chance in the first half was Reece James’ long-range effort that rattled the post.
The match was marked by frequent stoppages and VAR checks, preventing either side from gaining a steady rhythm. Chelsea’s creative spark came from Cole Palmer, who nearly set up Enzo Fernandez for a goal, but the Argentine’s finish was off target and later saved by an offside call.
In the second half, United started strongly but failed to capitalize. Mason Mount, making his return to Stamford Bridge, fired wide, and Fernandes blasted over a good chance.
On the hour mark, a potential penalty for Chelsea was overturned by VAR after goalkeeper Andre Onana was shown to have cleanly played the ball in a challenge with George.
The match-winning moment came 20 minutes from time, when Reece James delivered a perfect cross from near the edge of the box that Cucurella headed home for his seventh goal of the season.
Chelsea nearly doubled their lead shortly after, but Noni Madueke’s shot went wide following a neat pass from Palmer. United’s Robert Sanchez made a crucial save from Diallo to keep the score at 1-0.
With this win, Chelsea keep their hopes of returning to the Champions League alive. A victory against Nottingham Forest on the final day would secure their place in Europe’s elite competition after a two-year absence.
