Marc Cucurella’s 71st-minute header gave Chelsea victory against Manchester United in their final home match of the season and kept the Blues in the Champions League qualification places in the Premier League.
Full-back Cucurella expertly guided in the winner from a deft delivery by Reece James, who hit a post from distance during the first half.
England defender Harry Maguire had a masterful earlier finish ruled out for offside, meeting Bruno Fernandes’ delivery from the left with a thunderous first-time strike inside the box before his celebrations were eventually deemed futile following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and semi-automated offside check.
Chelsea were awarded a penalty for a challenge by Andre Onana on Tyrique George after the break, only for a VAR review to redeem United’s goalkeeper.
Marc Cucurella with a HUGE goal for Chelsea! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/LOfq65LIgt
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 16, 2025
📰 Table Of Contents
Will Chelsea qualify for the Champions League?
Chelsea needed to match Aston Villa’s win at home to Tottenham on Friday, which kicked off 45 minutes earlier, to stay above the Villans, who started the evening in sixth place.
The result moves them level on points with third-placed Newcastle ahead of a potentially crucial trip to Nottingham Forest in their final game of the campaign on May 25 (all closing fixtures kick off at 16:00 GMT).
Forest, who were a point behind Chelsea at the start of play on Friday, visit West Ham on Sunday (14:15 GMT), and their encounter with Enzo Maresca’s side could decide which of the two clubs qualifies for the Champions League next season.
Newcastle are away to Arsenal on Sunday (16:30) before hosting Everton in their last game of 2024/25. Villa visit United, while Manchester City, who are now sixth, host Bournemouth on Tuesday (20:00) before heading to Fulham.
Man United: Europa League final awaits
United cannot finish higher than 13th after a dismal domestic campaign that has included 18 league defeats, with Ruben Amorim unable to inspire his players to consistent form since the Portuguese’s arrival in November.
The Red Devils could have been forgiven for being distracted by their Europa League final against Spurs in Bilbao on Wednesday (20:00), with the prize of Champions League qualification for the winners.
