A 99th-minute winner from Naomi Girma sent holders Chelsea through to the Women's FA Cup quarter-finals as they saw off a stubborn Manchester United 2-1. In a competitive encounter at Kingsmeadow, Sonia Bompastor's side needed extra time to keep their Cup defence alive after Simi Awujo had cancelled out Sam Kerr's opener in normal time. I am really pleased because this competition is really special for us, Bompastor said. We want to go as far as possible.
Manchester United secured an important 3-0 lead in the first leg of their Women's Champions League playoff against Atletico Madrid. Goals from Elisabeth Terland and Melvine Malard bookended the first half before Julia Zigiotti Olme added a third late on as Marc Skinner's side produced a professional performance away from home. These two were familiar opponents having met in Madrid back in October in the league phase. United came out with a 1-0 win on that occasion in an eventful
With just four teams remaining in the Subway Women's League Cup, the semi-finals see four of the best Women's Super League sides battle it out. With seven-time winners Arsenal hosting Manchester United, this juicy tie sees two rivals face off against each other, with Alessia Russo facing her old side. United have never reached the final of this competition and Marc Skinner will be keen to change that record against Renee Slegers side.
Hinata Miyazawa has signed a new long-term deal with Manchester United until 2029. The Japan international has become a key player under manager Marc Skinner since joining in 2023. Miyazawa originally signed a three-year deal with the club, which would have seen her contract expire in June 2026.
I think it can play a part, absolutely. I think its a mix of different factors. I wouldn't say it's the main reason. I think there's other things as well. Hopefully we can turn this around. We have to learn from our mistakes because this is not good enough. Nine points in such a tough Champions League stage, we should be happy but we have to continue because we want more than this. We have to show that.
"Welcoming back Hannah after pregnancy is a fantastic story in itself," Skinner said. "I think I'll feel it on the way home in terms of the pride for her. She's been waiting a long time and worked extremely hard. [Riviere is] playing well, so it's hard for her but when she came on she showed the true quality and class she already has, so I want to congratulate her on an epic fightback to come back."
Paired together for their first meeting since a 1-1 draw in 1948, interest in the tie at Blundell Park was so high that League Two Grimsby's website crashed almost immediately. "We had to put a pause on the website until we regrouped on the Thursday morning," said Bancroft. "My phone went crazy. It was a pinch me moment for everyone connected to Grimsby Town."
