Chelsea took a major step toward securing Champions League qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, thanks to a decisive second-half header from Marc Cucurella.

The Spanish defender met a pinpoint cross from Reece James to nod home the only goal of the match, propelling the Blues into fourth place in the Premier League standings.

The victory puts Chelsea in control of their own destiny heading into the final weekend of the season, with a top-five finish now within reach.

Despite being largely contained by United for much of Friday evening’s encounter, Chelsea did enough to leapfrog Aston Villa on goal difference and move one point ahead of sixth-placed Manchester City, who still have a game in hand.

United manager Ruben Amorim, with one eye on next week’s crucial Europa League final against Tottenham, still opted to field a strong lineup for the visit to west London.

His decision nearly paid off when Harry Maguire volleyed in what looked like a potential opener in the first half, but the goal was chalked off following a VAR review that flagged an offside.

Chelsea pressed on, with Reece James rattling the left post before half-time. After the interval, the home side were initially awarded a penalty when Tyrique George went down in the area as Andre Onana charged out to clear the ball. However, VAR overturned the decision upon confirming that Onana had made a clean contact with the ball.

Moments later, Chelsea found their breakthrough. James, again influential, delivered a perfectly placed cross from the right, and Cucurella timed his leap to perfection, steering his header past Onana to seal the win.

Chelsea will now travel to Nottingham Forest on the final matchday, knowing that three points would confirm their return to Europe’s top club competition for the 2025–26 season.

As for Amorim’s side, the defeat — their 18th in 37 league matches — leaves United languishing in 16th place, capping a frustrating domestic campaign.

Source: BBC

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