AFCON 2025
Marc Cucurella’s header earned Chelsea a crucial 1-0 win over Manchester United to boost their UEFA Champions League qualification hopes.
Chelsea started stronger and almost took the lead when Noni Madueke fired a close-range attempt over the bar after being picked out by Cole Palmer.
THREE MASSIVE POINTS! 🔵🙌#CFC | #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/g3ESNPvZEZ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 16, 2025
Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils responded and thought they had struck first when Harry Maguire clinically converted a brilliant sliding finish from an excellent Bruno Fernandes delivery. However, Chelsea’s blushes were spared when a marginal VAR offside review went in their favour.
The game really opened up in the second half, and Chelsea thought they had a lifeline when the referee pointed to the spot following a collision between Onana and Tyrique George, but VAR intervened and the decision was overturned.
Yet Stamford Bridge erupted when Cucurella powered home a fine header past Onana after an excellent turn and cross by James.
The win sent Enzo Maresca’s men into fourth, and United remain 16th.
