The 2024 Women’s FA Cup Final was nothing short of historic, as Chelsea triumphed with a resounding 3–0 victory over Manchester United. With this win, the Blues also clinched a domestic treble, adding the FA Cup to their Women’s Super League and League Cup successes this season. It’s a feat that cements Chelsea’s dominance in women’s football and highlights the strategic brilliance of their first-year manager, Sonia Bompastor.
This post provides a full recap of the game, highlights the standout players, and dives into the key turning points, reactions, and the overarching impact of this monumental win.
Table of Contents
A Game to Remember
Chelsea entered Wembley Stadium facing a tough challenge against defending champions Manchester United. The pressure was immense, but Chelsea rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion.
First Half Highlights
The first half was a tightly contested battle with both teams looking to take an early advantage. Manchester United applied pressure, with Ella Toone and Elisabeth Terland creating chances. However, Chelsea’s defense held strong.
The game’s significant breakthrough came just before halftime. Celin Bizet fouled Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert in the penalty box, resulting in a penalty for the Blues. Sandy Baltimore, calm under pressure, converted the penalty to give Chelsea a crucial 1–0 lead heading into the break. It was a momentum-shifting moment.
The Second Half and Chelsea’s Domination
Manchester United came out energized in the second half. Despite several promising attempts to equalize, including close calls from Toone and Terland, they couldn’t break through Chelsea’s disciplined defense.
Chelsea struck again in the 84th minute when Catarina Macário capitalized on a well-placed free kick from Baltimore. With the score at 2–0, Chelsea had breathing room, but the team wasn’t done yet.
The final nail in the coffin came in the 91st minute, when Wieke Kaptein intercepted a loose pass from United’s Leah Galton. Kaptein’s assist allowed Baltimore to weave past defenders and smash the ball past goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, sealing Chelsea’s emphatic 3–0 victory.
Key Players Step Up
Individual brilliance was on full display during this final. Chelsea’s Sandy Baltimore proved why she’s one of the most formidable players in women’s football today.
Sandy Baltimore’s Masterclass
Baltimore was undoubtedly the star of the match. Her composure during the penalty kick, her precision in setting up Macário’s header, and her ability to finish under pressure all showcased her exceptional talent. Baltimore finished with two goals and an assist, making her an undeniable candidate for player of the match.
Catarina Macário and Her Silent Power
Macário reinforced her reputation as a game-changer with her stellar performance. Her headed goal in the second half not only gave Chelsea a cushion but also highlighted her knack for delivering in critical moments.
Tactical Brilliance Under Sonia Bompastor
Sonia Bompastor’s strategic prowess played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s victory. Appointed at the start of the season, Bompastor has already proven herself a worthy successor to club legend Emma Hayes.
The Defensive Line That Held Firm
Chelsea’s defensive organization was impeccable. The backline, anchored by Magdalena Eriksson, nullified United’s attacks and ensured a clean sheet for the Blues.
Capitalizing on Set Pieces
Chelsea’s ability to convert set pieces into scoring opportunities was key. Both Macário’s headed goal and Baltimore’s second goal came from such situations, reflecting Bompastor’s emphasis on tactical precision during training.
The Fans and Media React
The atmosphere at Wembley was electric, with fans from both sides creating an unforgettable energy. On social media, Chelsea supporters were quick to celebrate their team’s domination, while neutral fans commended the high quality of the match.
Social Media Buzz
Posts under the trending hashtag #FACupFinal showcased a mix of admiration for Sandy Baltimore’s standout performance and excitement about Alexis Ohanian’s presence at the game.
“Baltimore is truly world-class. Absolute joy to watch her dominate this final!” – @FootyFemme
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“Chelsea women are unstoppable. This treble is so well-deserved.” – @BluePrideFC
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“The investment in women’s football is paying off big time. This is just the beginning for the global rise of the game.” – @EqualGoalsNow
Alexis Ohanian’s Investment in Women’s Football
Adding to the excitement of the day, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian was spotted in the crowd alongside his wife and tennis legend Serena Williams. Ohanian recently invested £20 million in Chelsea.
During halftime, Ohanian stated, “This club is unapologetically ambitious. I believe this will be a billion-dollar franchise someday.” His presence and passionate remarks signal a strong commitment to elevating women’s sports on a global scale.
Chelsea’s Place in Women’s Football History
This victory marks Chelsea’s sixth FA Cup title and their second domestic treble, the first being in the 2020–21 season. Only Arsenal has achieved more domestic trebles, with five to their name. This achievement strengthens Chelsea’s reputation as one of the premier women’s football clubs in the world.
Managerial Impact
Bompastor’s debut season couldn’t have gone better. Her focus on discipline and togetherness played an instrumental role in leading Chelsea to such dominating success.
“This treble is something special,” Bompastor said post-match. “I told my players they’ve made history.”
What’s Next for Chelsea
Chelsea fans can look forward to seeing their team build on this success in the coming seasons. With their current momentum, there’s every reason to believe they’ll continue to dominate on both domestic and international stages.
For Manchester United, this loss will undoubtedly fuel their determination to return stronger next season.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Women’s FA Cup Final
What happened at the 2024 Women’s FA Cup Final?
Chelsea defeated Manchester United 3-0 to secure their sixth FA Cup title and complete a domestic treble.
Who scored in the final?
Sandy Baltimore scored twice, and Catarina Macário added the third goal for Chelsea.
How many times has Chelsea won the FA Cup?
Chelsea has now won the Women’s FA Cup six times.
Who is Alexis Ohanian and what is his role in Chelsea?
Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, recently invested £20 million in Chelsea to support and grow women’s football.
What’s next for Chelsea after this victory?
After securing the treble, Chelsea aims to maintain their dominance in domestic competitions and focus on European success.