Chelsea claimed a narrow victory over Manchester United on Friday night and Enzo Maresca’s side know exactly what they need to do to qualify for the Champions League
Marc Cucurella gave Chelsea’s Champions League hopes a huge boost – and insisted they deserve to be back on Europe’s top stage. Chelsea hero Cucurella headed a 71st minute winner to push the Blues up to fourth and also put their fate back in their own hands.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca knows that a victory at Nottingham Forest on the final day will book their place in next season’s Champions League. Cucurella said: “I am very happy. I think the team deserves this moment. We know that we needed to stay in the game.
“It was very important. We have been working for these moments. We have two more games left – we need to push hard. We need to finish the season strong.”
Chelsea captain Reece James added: “I think that’s where the club belongs, in the Champions League. Competing in the best competitions.
“People like to write us off and call us inexperienced. We played against a very experienced United team today. We were there and we won the game. We got what we needed to do.”
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Martinez Villa exit hint, Gyokeres decision, Arsena and Man Utd latestREAD MORE: Liverpool ‘hold transfer talks’ over rarely seen Chelsea star and join three-club battle
It was a night of nerves but another setback for Manchester United who have now gone eight games without a win in the Premier League. It was hardly good preparation for their Europa League final showdown with Tottenham in Bilbao next Wednesday when the winners will get a Champions League spot.
But United boss Ruben Amorim, who fielded a near full strength line-up, did at least report that none of his players suffered injuries. Amorim said: “You never like when you lose the game. We were competitive, that was clear.
“We have to prepare for each competition, with five days, we can rest. We have five days to prepare [for the Europa League final], two days to fully recover and then two days to prepare.
“In the end I looked at all the players and I think they are ok. Of course, we are excited to be in the final. Since day one the pressure has been there but I live quite well with the pressure. When you have the final of any cup, we show up so we are prepared for that.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.