Chelsea Edge United to Stay in Champions League Race

TDT | Manama

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Chelsea kept their Champions League hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Manchester United on Friday night at Stamford Bridge, thanks to a well-taken second-half header from Marc Cucurella. The Spanish defender struck in the 71st minute, meeting a clever cross from captain Reece James, who left the United defence scrambling with a sharp twist and turn on the right flank.

Chelsea dominated possession for large portions of the match but remained nervy throughout, aware of what was at stake. The result lifted them to fourth in the Premier League standings, leapfrogging Aston Villa—who earlier beat Tottenham 2-0—with just one round of fixtures left. “The Champions League is where this club belongs, competing in the best competitions,” said James, echoing the club’s ambition under new manager Enzo Maresca.

For Maresca, who took the reins at the start of the season, the win was a moment of visible relief. At the final whistle, he and his bench erupted in celebration, joined by players and fans alike. Chelsea’s form under the Italian has been inconsistent, but the team now finds itself just one game away from returning to Europe’s top table. The Stamford Bridge faithful were treated to a lap of honour after the final home game of the season, with players and staff applauding supporters who have weathered a rollercoaster campaign.

Chelsea will wrap up their league season next weekend with a trip to Nottingham Forest, who sit seventh and are still in the hunt for European qualification themselves. For Manchester United, the match was a further blow in a disappointing domestic season. With little to play for in the league—they sit 16th—United are now fully focused on salvaging their year in on Wednesday’s Europa League final against Tottenham.