(Football news) Chelsea are on their way to win their third consecutive Continental League Cup after defeating Manchester United 3-1 in the semi-finals. Trophy winners in 2020 and 2021, the Blues could face either Tottenham or Manchester City in the final next month. Goals from Pernille Harder, Jessie Fleming and Jess Carter were enough to secure a win for Emma Hayes’ side at Kingsmeadow despite Man Utd getting a goal back through Vilde Boe Risa.

Both teams struggled to find a breakthrough in the early stages with Manchester United having the first real opportunity through Vilde Boe Risa whose cross found Martha Thomas but her header was saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Zecira Musovic. Pernille Harder had an opportunity to score at the other end of the pitch but failed to hit the target. However, mid-way through the first half, three goals in the space of 13 minutes changed the dynamics of the match as Chelsea took the lead through Pernille Harder who capitalized on a through ball by Guro Reiten. 

Jessie Fleming then scored their second goal five minutes later, Reiten’s shot at the back post was blocked by Ona Batlle but Fleming was there to score from the rebound and put Chelsea firmly in the driving seat. However, Manchester United responded less than a minute later with Norway midfielder Vilde Boe Risa latching on to Groenen’s back-heel and curling home into the bottom right corner. Just when it seemed that the game was getting interesting, Chelsea regained their two goal advantage through Jess Carter who made a run from the half-way line and met Reiten’s cross, scoring past Baggaley.

Chelsea could have extended their advantage shortly after the hour mark when Harder went to the ground after a tackle by Maria Thorisdottir but the Blues were denied a penalty. Emma Hayes introduced Sam Kerr for the final 20 minutes and provided a glorious opportunity to Harder in the box but the striker failed to find the back of the net. To make matters worse for Manchester United, goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley was shown a straight red card for her challenge on Sam Kerr outside the box and the Red Devils were reduced to 10 players for the final 13 minutes of the match. Lauren James was also introduced from the bench five minutes from time and almost scored against her former side but saw her effort blocked by Batlle. 

Both teams have important fixtures coming up in the Women’s Super League. Manchester United will take on league leaders Arsenal on Saturday while Chelsea will host Manchester City on Sunday. The weekend after will see the Manchester derby with United taking on City while Chelsea will face Arsenal.

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