Women’s FA Cup
Chelsea 2 – 1 Tottenham Hotspur FT
Veerle Buurman scored her first goal for Chelsea, propelling the Blues into the FA Cup semi-finals [Getty Images]
Veerle Buurman netted a decisive late goal, leading Chelsea to victory over Tottenham and securing their spot in the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.
Sam Kerr opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 40th minute, finishing off a cross from Keira Walsh with a header that bounced off the post.
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Tottenham responded after halftime with a free-kick from Eveliina Summanen that surprisingly found its way past everyone in the box, ultimately evading England’s keeper Hannah Hampton to level the match.
Chelsea came close to regaining the lead in the 82nd minute, but Kerr couldn’t capitalize on Wieke Kaptein’s brilliant cross into the six-yard box.
As the match appeared headed for extra-time, Buurman struck a powerful shot from outside the area to earn Chelsea their place in the last four.
After being knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal the previous week, Chelsea had several early chances before taking the lead in the first half.
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A curling shot from Lauren James was saved by Spurs goalkeeper Lize Kop, who also denied Alyssa Thompson’s close-range effort.
Buurman’s goal marked an important victory for Chelsea before the international break.
Analysis: Chelsea stays on track for a cup double
This season has been challenging for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League, where they trail leaders Manchester City by nine points.
Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, whose contract expires this summer, demonstrated her worth with the opening goal, and despite Tottenham’s equalizer and flashes of threat, Chelsea held firm to secure an essential win.
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Buurman, who came off the bench in the 59th minute, could not have chosen a better moment to score her first goal for Chelsea.
Tottenham will rue not taking the match to extra-time, especially after Cathinka Tandberg’s stoppage-time shot went just wide.
Olivia Holdt also missed an opportunity with a poorly connected shot as Martin Ho’s team faced a tough defeat.
Spurs currently sit fifth in the WSL while maintaining an eight-point lead over sixth-placed Brighton, reflecting significant progress under Ho this season.
Chelsea, having already clinched the League Cup, inch closer to a potential cup double that could salvage what has been a difficult season.