Women’s League Cup final: Chelsea drown out the noise to win another title

Chelsea went into the match with a tremendous record over United, winning 100% of their final cup encounters and only giving up two points in two of their last 12 league games.

But injuries to the squad and absences due to the Asian Cup meant Chelsea were stretched thin, although United were also without key midfielders Hinata Miyazawa and Ella Toone.

There was a feeling that this was United’s best chance to beat Chelsea, when their opponents were vulnerable and the ‘mental monsters’ mask seemed to have slipped slightly.

However, Chelsea’s biggest superpower has been their ability to drown out the noise, bounce back when they are written off and, ultimately, win trophies.

After 90 minutes, it was the familiar sight of Chelsea lifting the trophy, Blues fans in the stands celebrating and Lucy Bronze playing with the golden confetti.

Bronze, who won the club’s 24th trophy, helped Bombastor take her children to the field on Mother’s Day to celebrate, and placed the full-back on the tip of the trophy as she received her medal, eager to get her hands on it properly.

The Chelsea players stood in a huddle, with Bombastor in the middle delivering a message, while United captain Maya Le Tissier and manager Mark Skinner engaged in a frustrated conversation in the center circle for some time.

United failed again – but this was business as usual for Chelsea.

“There was a lot of hype, and that’s because of what Chelsea did, winning 18 titles over a period of time,” former England midfielder Fara Williams told BBC One.

“Everyone expects Chelsea to win, and they are used to it. When they have an upset, eyebrows are raised and questions are asked.

“I really think they proved themselves today.”

Only three teams have been able to lift the Women’s League Cup trophy since its introduction in 2011 – Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Chelsea swept all the domestic trophies in the 2024-25 season, unbeaten in the process, during Bombastor’s first season.

They are unlikely to win that trophy again soon with changes coming in next season, meaning teams competing in the Women’s Champions League – which is what Chelsea are hoping to do – will not take part in this competition.

So it was important to win, not just to defend their title, not just to drown out the hype, but to enjoy it again.

“I told the players before the game that when you get the opportunity to play in the final, it is always a special occasion,” Bombastor said.

“For us to achieve this again is amazing. It is also a special day in my personal life because it is Mother’s Day and having my children around me.

He added: “They are my biggest support, so giving them the opportunity to celebrate is beautiful and a great feeling.”