Optimal starting position: Cucurella brings Chelsea close to the Champions League

Chelsea FC is close to qualifying for the Champions League. IMAGO/Pro Sports Images

The 2-0 defeat at Newcastle was a setback for Chelsea in their fight for Champions League glory – partly due to Jackson's red card. Coach Enzo Maresca replaced the striker against Manchester United with 19-year-old George, and James started instead of Lavia (on the bench).

Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim had started the rotation machine in the 2-0 defeat to West Ham United , but on Friday evening – just a few days before the Europa League final against Tottenham (Wednesday, 9 p.m.) – he fielded what was arguably his best possible starting eleven. While Yoro was out due to injury, Blues homegrown talent Mount started.

With the exception of a promising chance from Madueke (5'), the Red Devils dominated most of the opening period. United relied on high pressing, which repeatedly resulted in possession recovery.

After winning the ball, Bruno Fernandes delivered a cross from the halfway line into the center in the 16th minute. Maguire, advancing, scored confidently with a direct shot, but was unlucky that the VAR ruled his goal out for a narrow offside position.

Subsequently, however, the tide turned in favor of the home side, who increasingly took control of the game. James had the best chance of the first half, hitting the outside of the post from a distant goal (24'). Just five minutes later, the visitors were also fortunate that referee Christopher Kavanagh did not award a penalty for a handball by Höjlund.

The Blues continued to stress the United defense until halftime, particularly with their high pace down the flanks. However, as Palmer's deflected shot failed to result in a goal (45'+1'), the score remained goalless at halftime.

As in the first half, the visitors got off to a better start in the opening stages after the break. Within a few minutes, both Mount (52') and Bruno Fernandes (55') came close to scoring, but ultimately both fell just a few feet short of taking the lead.

A short time later, however, things were comparatively close for the other side, as George went down in the United penalty area after a challenge with Onana (61'). Referee Christopher Kavanagh immediately pointed to the penalty spot, but reversed his decision after VAR intervention.

Chelsea's lead hadn't been anticipated, and yet it happened in the 71st minute: James found Cucurella, who was unmarked in the six-yard box, and Onana had no chance to defend his well-placed header. It almost set up a double strike, but Madueke missed a great opportunity two minutes later.

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The visitors forced Sanchez into another save in the 79th minute, but there was no sign of a final offensive. The home team kept the ball well away from their own goal and ultimately held on to their narrow lead.

On the final matchday in Nottingham (Sunday, 5 p.m.), the Blues now have everything in their own hands in the race for the Champions League and would be sure to qualify for the Champions League in the event of an away win before the Conference League final against Real Betis Sevilla (May 28, 9 p.m.).

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