This week saw some regular wins for domestic favorites across Europe (Lyon 6-1 Saint-Etienne, Bayern Munich 5-1 Duisburg, Barcelona 5-1 Villarreal) and the English FA Cup final was decided. Here, we will introduce the most talked about points regarding the women's game.
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Hayes' farewell tour cut short
After losing to Arsenal in the Conti Cup final earlier this month, many expected Chelsea to fight back in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United. Indeed, the Blues, who have won the last three FA Cup trophies, were hoping to extend their unbeaten run in the competition to 1,295 days. However, thanks to two quick headers from Lucia Garcia and Rachel Williams, and solid United defending, they were sent off in a 2-1 defeat.
In the past, outgoing Chelsea manager Emma Hayes might have been more bullish in her post-match press conference. But on Sunday, she sighed, “No one died. We lost the football game.”
Perhaps it's a sign of her own fatigue from the never-ending accumulation of matches and the “grind” she spoke of late last season, but she knows her days in London are coming to an end. It may also be a sign of this. He is preparing to take over the USWNT this summer.
Hayes has always had the will to win, but her accomplishments are not defined by the trophies she won this campaign. She has had incredible success with the club, but it seems like each game wears her down. Wednesday's Women's Super League (WSL) game against Aston Villa could be crucial for her hopes of finishing the season on a high before the trip. They will face Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Saturday. — Sophie Lawson
Spurs make history as they secure Wembley place
History was to have been made either way, as both Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City, who had reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, had yet to reach the final, but Robert Villahamn's side held their own. They won 2-1 after extra time and booked their first appearance at Wembley. .
It was a nervous game for Tottenham, but Leicester's Jutta Rantala fired home an early long-range shot and Jessica Naz equalized in the 83rd minute to force extra time. Tottenham's effort and attack waned as the afternoon wore on, but Martha Thomas' 118th-minute header was enough to seal their ticket to Wembley.
But it's not all smiles for Grace Clinton. The central midfielder, who is on loan at Spurs from Manchester United and has played an integral role in much of Tottenham's success this term, will be ineligible to face his parent club in next month's final. — emily keogh
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Tottenham reach first-ever Women's FA Cup final
Martha Thomas' goal in extra time gave Tottenham a 2-1 victory over Leicester in the FA Cup semi-final.
Russo's positioning could be key for Arsenal
When Alessia Russo made her high-profile move to Arsenal from Man Utd in the summer, she was hailed as the club's next star striker, number nine. Still, playing in midfield against Bristol City in the only WSL match of the round, she was the linchpin of a fluid and controlled performance, as she scored twice alongside Beth Mead to help the Robins to 5-0. I broke it with 0.
Arsenal fans want Russo to play a little deeper behind Stina Blackstenius after he sparked the comeback against Aston Villa and sealed victory in last month's Conti Cup final against Chelsea. I was looking for it. And once again, this proved to be a genius move, with bottom-of-the-table Bristol City unable to cope with the pair creating chances all over the place.
Arsenal looked more effective up front due to Russo and Blackstenius' instinctive goal-scoring nature in the box, but this partnership could set the club up for success in both the league and Europe next season. It may be decisive. — E.K.
Real Betis achieved an important victory
Up, down, down, up, down again – there's no denying that Real Betis are a team struggling to maintain consistency and form in Spain's Liga F. Maria Prai has now been appointed as the team's fifth manager in six seasons. Having led the best period of growth and league success, returning for a second period, Betty Casale They are still finding their form but are just one point away from being relegated.
Betis, in need of a reset, came from behind to win against Levante Las Planas over the weekend, giving them at least a much-needed 2-1 win, but Levante Las Planas themselves also ended their winning streak at 16 matches (November (dates back to ). They are currently just one point better than Betis. –SL
Fall of Bordeaux confirmed
Guingamp's hard-fought point against PSG on Saturday almost sealed their relegation, but Bordeaux suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Fleury on Sunday, making their relegation official.
There is no hiding the financial impact on the men's teams playing in League Two and how difficult the situation has been for the women's teams this season as a result. But just a few years ago, they were vying for their place as France's 'third team' (after Lyon and PSG), with players like Bunny Shaw and Katja Snouich. It is therefore incredible how far and fast Bordeaux has fallen.
This is a timely reminder that even though the women's game is reaching new heights and success, there is always a danger in aligning the fate of the women's team with that of the men's team. –History has shown that when things get tough and budgets get tight, women's teams are usually the first to be eliminated. — SL
Sebenius supports Como
Fresh from scoring the winning goal in the match between Finland and Italy, 19-year-old Una Sevenius' brace against Pomigliano helped Como further close the gap between the bottom two teams. [Pomigliano and Napoli] In the relegation table, the fate of Serie A's cellar dwellers is all but sealed.
The Milan loanee, who is in good form, seems to be betting on a spot in Milan's team when he returns next season. Rossonere Look for more stability after an unforgettable season. — SL
sweden schröder star
The new season for Sweden's Damarsvenskan gets underway over the weekend, with last year's runners-up Hakken looking to get off to a strong start in a bid to exorcise the demons of missing out on the title on goal difference. However, the Champions League quarter-finalists struggled against Norrköping, who are currently in their second season in the top flight, and it took young Felicia Schuller to spark a 4-3 victory on her 17th birthday. I had to rely on radar.
Schröder added a second goal with a low drive from outside the box, but Norrköping fought back to take a 3-2 lead. With minutes remaining, Clarissa Larissey should have scored a late equalizing goal, but Schröder completed her hat trick in the 96th minute to win the game.
All three goals showed the teenager's deft touch, quick change of pace and balance on the ball. And after one game, Schröder has already matched last season's record. With question marks surrounding the future of highly-rated teammate Rosa Cafaj, Hakken has proven once again that he can develop young Swedish talent and won't need to score goals this season. — SL
