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Thursday, January 22, 2026

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Chelsea and Man United to contest Subway Cup Final

Holders Chelsea will face first-time finalists Manchester United in the Subway Women’s League Cup Final at Ashton Gate on Sunday 15 March 2026, with kick off at 2.15pm.

Manchester United reached the Women's League Cup final for the first time in their history with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal in Wednesday's semi final at Meadow Park.

The decisive moment came in first half stoppage time when Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe gifted the ball to United's Ellen Wangerheim with a sloppy pass. Wangerheim quickly teed up Norwegian forward Elisabeth Terland, who calmly slotted home to secure the win for the visitors.

United had earlier been denied a potential penalty when Terland was brought down by Katie McCabe in the Arsenal box, but they capitalised on their opponents' errors. Arsenal's chances of a comeback were severely hampered in the second half when forward Olivia Smith received a second yellow card for a foul in the final third.

Despite dominating possession and creating more opportunities, Arsenal failed to test United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce meaningfully. Substitute Melvine Malard spurned a golden chance to double United's lead when through one-on-one with Borbe, firing over the bar from close range.

The defeat means Arsenal, seven-time winners of the competition, have now missed the final in back-to-back seasons.

Meanwhile, holders Chelsea booked their place in a record-extending seventh successive final with a narrow 1-0 win over league leaders Manchester City at the Joie Stadium.

Wieke Kaptein's header in the 41st minute proved the difference, as Chelsea showed resilience to hold on against a dominant City side. The hosts hit the woodwork twice and missed several clear chances, including efforts from Vivianne Miedema and Kerstin Casparij that struck the post.

Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was kept busy, producing crucial saves to deny Miedema and Yui Hasegawa in a frantic second half.

Sonia Bompastor's team are aiming to defend the three domestic titles they won in her debut 2024-25 season, and this victory extends their impressive run in the competition.