- Safiu Kehinde
Chelsea has revived their hope of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season as they edged past Manchester United in a narrow 1-0 victory on Friday.
The Blues hosted the Red Devils at the Stamford Bridge in what would be their last home game of the season.
Following their defeat to Newcastle United last week, Chelsea perceived the match as crucial for their reignite their chance of Champions League campaign.
The game for off-form Manchester United who languished in the 16th spot on the table was just to boost their momentum ahead of the Europa League final match against fellow Tottenham Hotspur.
However, United came close to securing an early lead after defender Harry Maguire had the ball in the Chelsea net, only for VAR to rule it marginally offside.
United had few other chances, and Chelsea were tense but dominant for most of the match.
The dominance would pay off for the Enzo Maresca-led Blues in the second half as Spanish full back, Marc Cucurella, headed home from close range, a cross from captain Reece James, who bamboozled the United defence with a twist and turn in the 71st minute.
“I knew I had space and time. I knew I put the ball in a good area, this guy was always arriving,” James reportedly told Sky Sports, standing alongside Cucurella.
The result, according to Reuters, lifted Chelsea to fourth in the Premier League above Aston Villa, who earlier beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0, with one game left in the season for both sides.
“The Champions League is where the club belongs, competing in the best competitions,” James said.
The top five in the table qualify for the Champions League has been Chelsea’s target since Enzo Maresca took over as coach at the start of the season.
Relieved Maresca and his bench as well players and fans celebrated wildly at the final whistle.
It was the last home game of the season for Chelsea whose form has run hot and cold under since the Italian took over, and they circled the ground with a lap of honour before leaving the pitch.
Their last game is away to Nottingham Forest, who lie seventh and are still chasing qualification, next weekend.