Marc Cucurella loved Chelsea to earn the qualification of Champions League alive, because his goal resulted in a huge 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Cucurella popped up with a 71st minute to move the Enzo Maresca team to the fourth in the Premier League table, about what a frustrating night before the hosts seemed.
After the victory of Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur earlier on Friday, Chelsea knew the importance of a victory to ensure that a top five finish was still in the hands of the last day.
Harry Maguire thought he had sent United to a 16th minute a lead when he planted the cross home of Bruno Fernandes, but the goal was excluded from offside after a VAR rating.
Chelsea immediately responded to that not permitted goal, with the stunning volley of Reece James from the edge of the box that cut the left pole from just outside the area.
The blues then believed that they had the chance to take the lead just after the hour when Tyrique George tumbled in the box under the challenge of Andre Onana.
Chris Kavanagh has awarded a penalty, but was sent to the monitor for an assessment on the field and changed his decision, but Chelsea was ahead soon after.
James' neat turn and cross was met vigorously through the head of Cucurella for his fifth Premier League goal of the season, although the result should have been out of sight.
Noni Madueke wasted a glorious opportunity a little later, collected the pass from Cole Palmer, but skewed his strike wide of the goal, but Chelsea was able to hold the victory.
The result moves Chelsea to 66 points, equal to Aston Villa, after their victory over Spurs and Newcastle United. The Red Devils in the meantime remain 16th.
Three huge points! #CFC | #Chemun pic.twitter.com/G3ESNPVZEZ
– Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) 16 May 2025
Debrief data: Home comfort for Chelsea and Cucurella
If Chelsea secures Champions League football this season, their form at Stamford Bridge will be the reason for a top five finish since the turn of the year.
The blues remain unbeaten in the Premier League at home in 2025, won eight and draw two of the 10 games. They have won more points this calendar year on home floor (26) than any other side.
And their last victory came thanks to the fine header of Cucurella. Indeed, all six of the top goals of the Spaniard came home (one for Brighton, five for Chelsea). In the history of Premier League, only Clive Wilson (9), Jeff Kenna (8) and Ronny Johnsen (8) scored more goals with 100% of those who came home.
But for United their competition problems continued. Their defeat against Chelsea was their 18th in the competition, their most in a campaign since losing 20 in 1973-74 in the last season in which they were banned.