Chelsea Women delivered an impressive performance on April 23, 2025, defeating Crystal Palace 4-0 and solidifying their position at the top of the Women's Super League (WSL). The victory extended Chelsea's lead to six points, placing them in a favorable position as they approach the culmination of the season. Goals from Guro Reiten (penalty), Catarina Macario (two goals), and Mia Fishel underscored Chelsea's offensive prowess while highlighting their potential to secure a sixth consecutive league title with only three matches remaining .
The unbeaten Blues need just four points from their last three matches to lift a sixth consecutive WSL title.
Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor made seven changes ahead of Sunday's Champions League semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge against Barcelona and bounced back from their 4-1 first-leg defeat in Spain to cruise past 10-player Palace, who failed to have a shot at Kingsmeadow.
Oriane Jean-Francois, Sjoeke Nusken and Guro Reiten all going close, but they had to wait until the 22nd minute to make the breakthrough. Molly-Mae Sharpe gave away a penalty for handball and although goalkeeper Shae Yanez got two hands to the ball she could not keep out Reiten's spot-kick.
Catarina Macario doubled Chelsea's lead less than two minutes later, coolly guiding a right-footed strike into the bottom corner after being picked out unmarked in the box by Sandy Baltimore.
Crystal Palace had to play the majority of the second half with 10 players after captain Allyson Swaby was sent off in the 47th minute for bringing down Nusken, who was through on goal.
Despite the convincing scoreline, manager Sonia Bompastor emphasized that improvements are necessary for Chelsea to reach their full potential. Particularly concerning was the team's performance in the second half and their clinical finishing in front of goal. These observations indicate that while Chelsea is nearing title contention, maintaining focus and consistency will be crucial as they prepare for upcoming fixtures against formidable opponents like Manchester United .
Crystal Palace's struggles were further exacerbated by Allyson Swaby's red card during the match, leaving them vulnerable against a dominant Chelsea side. With this defeat, Crystal Palace remains perilously close to relegation, underscoring the high stakes involved as teams fight for survival in the WSL . As Chelsea advances toward another league title, both teams must navigate critical challenges that will define their respective futures in women's football.
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