Nick Cushing’s bold strategy fuels Manchester City’s dominant 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals, ending the blues’ 31-game unbeaten streak.
Nick Cushing‘s return to Manchester City could not have been scripted better. Just days after suffering a heartbreaking League Cup final loss to Chelsea, the interim boss engineered a stunning response, masterminding a 2-0 triumph in the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals. Vivianne Miedema, introduced as a second-half substitute, delivered the killer blows, scoring twice to break Chelsea’s remarkable 31-game unbeaten streak.
City, playing under the lights at Joie Stadium, seized the initiative early. Determined to erase the painful memories of their recent cup defeat, Cushing’s side played with aggression and tactical discipline. Despite Chelsea’s resistance, City controlled possession, forcing their rivals into defensive mode. The first half saw momentum swing between the two sides, but Cushing’s tactical switch after the break proved decisive.
At halftime, City shifted from their usual 4-3-3 to a more aggressive 4-4-2 formation, a move that altered the game’s dynamics. Chelsea struggled to adjust, and when Miedema entered the fray, she made her presence felt instantly. The Dutch striker, returning from knee surgery, capitalised on two well-worked moves, finishing clinically to hand City a commanding lead.
The scenes at full-time captured the magnitude of City’s victory. Cushing, unable to hide his emotions, soaked in the electric atmosphere, applauding the fans who chanted “City, City, City” and belted out “Blue Moon.” Having last managed City in 2019 before departing, he revelled in the moment, describing the night as “special.”
“It was about belief,” said Cushing. “You don’t just compete against top teams—you have to beat them to win trophies. Tonight, we showed we can go toe-to-toe with the best.”
Miedema, too, was ecstatic after playing a pivotal role in the victory. “Champions League nights here have been special,” she told BBC Sport. “You always want to start, but I’m not at a point where I can play four full matches in a row. We need to be smart with minutes. Tonight, we got it right.”
Cushing’s tactical nous ensured City kept Chelsea’s feared attacking force at bay while remaining a constant threat going forward. His philosophy—demanding bravery and risk-taking—clearly resonated with his squad.
City now hold the advantage heading into the second leg and, after a display of such conviction, belief is surging within the squad. Chelsea, rocked by their first defeat of the season, must now regroup before the return fixture.For Cushing, it’s been a whirlwind week, but with City delivering their most complete performance of the season, his message is clear: under his leadership, they fear no one.
