Cucurella the matchwinner as Blues edge out Red Devils | OneFootball

Chelsea significantly boosted their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League as Marc Cucurella’s second-half header earned a vital win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues needed all three points to keep a top-five finish in their control, but were made to work hard for much of Friday night’s contest.

Cucurella eventually broke the deadlock, nodding in a superb cross from Reece James to move Chelsea into fourth spot in the Premier League standings.

They now sit ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference and are one point above sixth-placed Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola’s side still have a game in hand.

Despite having a crucial Europa League final against Tottenham on the horizon, United boss Ruben Amorim fielded a near full-strength side for the trip to west London.

It looked like that decision might pay off when Harry Maguire smashed in a brilliant volley in the first half, but the goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.

Reece James nearly opened the scoring himself shortly before the interval, rattling the left post with a dipping strike. Chelsea were then awarded a penalty in the second half after Tyrique George went down under pressure from Andre Onana, only for the decision to be overturned by VAR after replays showed the United keeper got a hand to the ball.

The breakthrough finally arrived when James swung a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Cucurella climbed above his marker to head past Onana.

Chelsea will now head to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the campaign knowing that victory will seal Champions League qualification for 2025–26.

For Amorim’s side, the loss marks their 18th defeat in 37 league fixtures and leaves them sitting 16th in the table.