Chelsea Advances in FA Cup After Extra Time Victory Over Manchester United

In a tightly contested Women's FA Cup fifth-round match, Chelsea defeated Manchester United 2-1 after extra time, securing their place in the quarter-finals. The match, held on February 22, 2026, showcased a fierce battle between two evenly matched teams, with Chelsea ultimately capitalizing on key moments to clinch the victory.

The Guardian

The match began with both teams displaying strong defensive strategies, leading to a scoreless first half. Chelsea broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when Sam Kerr scored, converting a well-placed header from a corner taken by Jess Carpenter. However, Manchester United responded quickly, equalizing in the 81st minute through Simi Awujo, who capitalized on a defensive error to strike the ball into the top corner.

The Guardian

As the match progressed into extra time, Chelsea regained the lead in the 99th minute. Naomi Girma scored her first goal for the club, following a corner that was initially saved but rebounded into her path. Despite Manchester United's efforts to equalize again, including several attempts from set pieces, Chelsea held on to secure the win.

The Guardian

Both teams made strategic substitutions throughout the match. Chelsea's coach, Sonia Bompastor, introduced impactful players such as Sandy Baltimore and Wieke Kaptein, who contributed significantly in the latter stages of the game. In contrast, Manchester United's manager, Marc Skinner, utilized his bench to bring on Gabrielle George and Lea Schüller, but the team struggled to find the same level of impact.

The Guardian

Following the match, Chelsea's coach praised the resilience of his team, highlighting the importance of depth in the squad. He noted, "The substitutions made a huge difference towards the end of the game." Conversely, Skinner acknowledged the fatigue from United's midweek match against Atlético Madrid, which may have affected their performance in extra time.

The Guardian

Despite the loss, Manchester United's performance drew some praise for their fighting spirit, especially in the second half. However, critics pointed out that the team lacked the necessary quality on the bench to match Chelsea's depth, which ultimately proved decisive in the outcome of the match.

The Guardian

With this victory, Chelsea advances to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, where they will face an as-yet-undetermined opponent. Manchester United will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming league matches as they aim to improve their performance in future competitions.

The Guardian

• “14 GMT Sonia Bompastor’s substitutions made a huge difference towards the end of the game.” — Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea Coach

The Guardian

• “19 GMT Marc Skinner’s side threw everything they had at the game but they lacked the quality on the bench to match Chelsea.” — Marc Skinner, Manchester United Coach

The Guardian