Chelsea Women continued their dominant run by securing a place in their sixth straight League Cup final after a composed 2-0 win over West Ham at Kingsmeadow.
The victory marks a quick double over the same opponent and secures the club’s first League Cup final appearance under new manager Sonia Bompastor.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd put Chelsea ahead in the 20th minute, squeezing her shot past West Ham goalkeeper Kinga Szemik at the near post. Just nine minutes later, German midfielder Sjoeke Nusken doubled the lead, capitalizing on a defensive error before rounding Szemik and slotting the ball home.
With this win, the Women’s Super League leaders extend their unbeaten streak to 22 matches this season, keeping alive their hopes for an unprecedented quadruple.
Bompastor, who succeeded Emma Hayes in May, remains undefeated since taking charge and now has the opportunity to claim her first silverware with the club in March’s final at Derby’s Pride Park Stadium.
Chelsea have featured in every League Cup final since the 2019-20 season but have finished as runners-up in the last three editions. They will now await the winner of the semi-final clash between Arsenal—who defeated them in the past two finals—and 2022 champions Manchester City.
Bompastor’s tenure at Chelsea has been nothing short of stellar. Her side sits comfortably at the top of the WSL, while also progressing in the Champions League and FA Cup. With the signings of world record arrival Naomi Girma and the high-profile addition of Keira Walsh, the Blues have reinforced their squad for success on multiple fronts.
“Really pleased to have Keira,” Bompastor said after Walsh’s full debut. “She’s a top-class player, brings calmness in possession, and adds serenity to the team. For her first game, she did really well.”
Walsh, who recently joined from Barcelona, received a warm welcome from the Chelsea faithful. Her composure in midfield allowed Nusken and Maika Hamano to push forward, intensifying the pressure on West Ham’s defense. While Chelsea’s attacking chances were fewer in the second half, they maintained control as fans chanted, “Que sera, sera…we’re going to Derby.”
Chelsea now turn their focus to the final as they look to break their recent streak of near misses and lift the League Cup once again.
