Subway League Cup: Chelsea and United Survive the Storm to Book Final Showdown

The Subway Women’s League Cup final is set – and it’s a heavyweight clash: Chelsea vs Manchester United, 15 March at Ashton Gate.

Both sides arrived late to the party, entering at the quarter-final stage due to Champions League commitments. But they each navigated their semi-finals with ruthless efficiency. For reigning champions Chelsea, it’s a familiar path – a seventh consecutive League Cup final. For Manchester United, it’s a first.

And for Manchester City? It’s a brutal exit.

This was City’s fifth game in the competition, having swept through the group stage unbeaten. But on Wednesday night, they came up short — against the very side who handed them their last defeat in any competition: Chelsea, back in early September.

Every goal, key moment, and stat from both semi-finals below.

Arsenal’s League Cup hopes ended under the lights at a wet and windswept Meadow Park, as Manchester United sealed a historic 1–0 win to reach their first ever final in the competition.

The hosts started brightly, dominating possession throughout, but couldn’t find a breakthrough. A close-range header from Frida Maanum inside the opening minute — well saved by Phallon Tullis-Joyce — was as close as they came. A lack of quality in the final third proved costly.

The turning point came in first-half stoppage time. Under no pressure, Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe misplaced a pass straight to Ellen Wangerheim. The debutant set up Elisabeth Terland, who slotted home the decisive goal.

Arsenal’s hopes of a comeback were further dented just after the hour mark. Olivia Smith, their most dangerous player on the night, was shown a second yellow for a late challenge on Zigiotti Olme — seemingly in retaliation for an earlier foul.

Even with ten, Arsenal pushed for an equaliser, but United defended with control and composure. The Gunners were limited to half-chances, and the visitors managed the final stages professionally.

United’s landmark win sets up a final showdown with Chelsea at Ashton Gate – a milestone moment for Marc Skinner’s side.

Match Highlights

Match Stats

Lineups & Player Ratings

Chelsea booked their place in a seventh straight League Cup final with a 1–0 win over Manchester City, ending City’s 16-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Their last defeat? Chelsea, back in September.

City had the first big chance of the night. Bunny Shaw rounded Hannah Hampton 30 yards out but miscontrolled with the goal gaping. Both sides traded speculative efforts in an even first half – until the holders took the lead.

In the 41st minute, Sandy Baltimore delivered a floated cross from the right. Wieke Kaptein rose unchallenged to head home at the far post, with City’s defence static.

City responded well. Vivianne Miedema hit the post before the break, and Kerstin Casparij struck the woodwork again early in the second half. Grace Clinton and Alex Greenwood also went close, but Chelsea stayed compact and composed.

Hannah Hampton made key saves to preserve the lead, denying Greenwood, Shaw, and Miedema. At the other end, Lauren James nearly doubled the advantage, forcing a strong stop from Ayaka Yamashita.

City’s wastefulness in front of goal proved costly. Chelsea’s clinical edge and defensive discipline saw them through once again.

Match Highlights

Match Stats

Lineups & Player Ratings