Miedema celebrates Man City’s special Champions League win over Chelsea

Posted : 20 March 2025

Vivianne Miedema commended Manchester City for their strong response following their League Cup final loss to Chelsea. City secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg of their UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final, with Miedema coming off the bench to score both goals. She emphasized that this performance should now be their standard for the rest of the campaign. Despite the defeat, Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze remained confident that the tie was still within reach.

Miedema's two goals marked a significant turnaround for City, who had recently suffered a 2-1 loss to Chelsea in the League Cup final. That result had been a tough blow for the team, making their improved display in the Champions League even more satisfying. Speaking to TNT Sports, Miedema acknowledged the setback but expressed pride in the way her team responded. She highlighted the challenges they faced, including missing key players, but felt their determination paid off.

Reflecting on the atmosphere, Miedema noted that City had enjoyed memorable Champions League nights in the past, and this win was another special moment. She hoped the victory would boost their confidence moving forward, not only for their upcoming WSL clash against Chelsea but also for the decisive second leg of the quarter-final. The striker is still recovering from a serious knee injury, which meant she started the match as a substitute. However, she made an instant impact when introduced at halftime.

Her performance was clinical, as she converted two of her three shots on target, bringing her Women's Champions League tally to 31 goals in just 35 appearances. Miedema admitted she was not yet at full match fitness, making her contribution even more satisfying. She acknowledged the importance of the Champions League for City and emphasized their ongoing fight to qualify for next season’s tournament. With the home crowd behind them, she believed they could replicate their strong display in the second leg.

Chelsea, on the other hand, saw their impressive 31-match unbeaten streak come to an end. This was the first defeat for manager Sonia Bompastor, who had guided the team to 26 wins in 28 games since taking charge. The loss was a setback for their ambitious campaign, which had raised hopes of a historic quadruple. Having already secured the League Cup and leading the WSL by eight points, Chelsea now faces added pressure to keep their European dream alive.

Lucy Bronze admitted Chelsea's performance was below their usual standards, citing issues in their pressing and passing. She credited City for being better organized and acknowledged that Chelsea struggled to match their intensity. While they improved in the second half, it was during this period that City found the breakthrough. Despite the loss, Bronze remained positive, emphasizing that setbacks are part of football. She insisted that Chelsea had the quality to bounce back and turn the tie around.

The return leg at Stamford Bridge on March 27 presents a crucial opportunity for Chelsea to fight for a place in the semi-finals. Bronze described it as their biggest game of the season so far, recognizing the need for a much-improved performance. With a packed schedule ahead, Chelsea must balance their league commitments while preparing for the decisive Champions League clash. She remained confident in the team's attacking firepower and believed they had the ability to overturn the deficit and keep their European hopes alive.

Miedema celebrates Man City’s special Champions League win over Chelsea

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