This week in women's football saw some exciting matches and significant developments across various leagues. Let's delve into the key highlights:
FA Cup Drama
In the FA Cup semifinals, Chelsea, the reigning champions, suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, ending their hopes of extending their unbeaten streak in the competition. This loss comes amidst speculation about manager Emma Hayes' future as she is set to take over the USWNT this summer.
Historic FA Cup Final
Tottenham Hotspur secured their first-ever FA Cup final appearance by defeating Leicester City 2-1 in extra time. The thrilling match saw Tottenham come from behind to clinch the victory and set up a historic final at Wembley.
Arsenal's Dominance
Arsenal showcased their attacking prowess with a commanding 5-0 win over Bristol City, with Alessia Russo and Beth Mead leading the charge. Russo's versatility in midfield proved instrumental in Arsenal's dominant performance.
Real Betis Struggles
Real Betis continues to grapple with inconsistency in Spain's Liga F, sitting precariously close to relegation. Despite a recent win, Betis faces a challenging road ahead to secure their top-flight status.
Bordeaux's Decline
Bordeaux's women's team suffered relegation following a disappointing season, highlighting the financial challenges faced by women's teams when tied to their male counterparts' fortunes.
Serie A Drama
Oona Sevenius' stellar performance for Como against Pomigliano further solidified their position in Serie A, while also showcasing her potential for a future role at Milan.
Swedish Damallsvenskan Action
The new Damallsvenskan season kicked off with Häcken securing a hard-fought 4-3 win over Norrköping, thanks to a standout performance by young talent Felicia Schröder. Schröder's hat trick on her 17th birthday highlighted her promising future in Swedish football.
These key moments underscore the excitement and competitiveness in women's football across various leagues, setting the stage for more thrilling matches ahead.