In a tightly contested affair, Spanish full-back Marc Cucurella emerged as the match-winner for Chelsea on Friday evening.
Chelsea took a decisive step toward Champions League qualification with a crucial 1-0 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Friday night. A second-half header from Marc Cucurella secured all three points, lifting the Blues into fourth place in the Premier League table.
The victory gave Chelsea full control of their top-five destiny heading into the final day of the season. A win against Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season will secure Chelsea’s spot in next year’s Champions League.
In a tightly contested affair, Spanish full-back Marc Cucurella emerged as the match-winner. Cucurella connected with a sublime cross from Reece James in the 70th minute to nod the ball beyond Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana. The goal not only broke the deadlock but also calmed Chelsea nerves in the crucial encounter.
Earlier in the match, Reece James nearly opened the scoring himself with a curling effort that struck the post in the first half. United also thought they had taken the lead through Harry Maguire, only for the goal to be chalked off for offside after a VAR review.
However, Chelsea stayed composed and found the breakthrough they needed. The win now places them level on points with Newcastle and Aston Villa but ahead of both on goal difference. Manchester City trail Chelsea by one point but they also have a game in hand.
For Manchester United, the loss further compounded what has been a difficult domestic season. Ruben Amorim’s side remain in 16th place, with 18 defeats from 37 league matches. The manager fielded a strong lineup despite the upcoming Europa League final against Tottenham on Wednesday, but the team struggled to convert meaningful chances in the match.
Also Read: Ruben Amorim Shows Class: Pays for Manchester United Staff To Attend Europa League Final
Meanwhile, Aston Villa continued to keep their Champions League hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Tottenham. Goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara ensured an eighth victory in their last nine Premier League games. They now sit fifth, narrowly behind Newcastle and Chelsea on goal difference. Villa must now win their final game away at Manchester United and hope other results fall in their favor to finish inside the top five.
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