Buurman’s striking goal secures Chelsea’s progression while Spurs are eliminated from the FA Cup.

With only one trophy realistically remaining to compete for, this season has not met Chelsea’s high expectations, and following last week’s exit from the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) against local rivals Arsenal, another cup defeat would have been unacceptable.

With six minutes remaining in the FA Cup quarterfinal against Tottenham Hotspur, it appeared that Sonia Bompastor’s week was about to worsen. Enter Veerle Buurman. The young Netherlands defender’s powerful shot clinched a late 2-1 victory, ensuring the Blues still have a positive aspect to build upon, even in a season that has significantly underperformed.

Since the winter break, Buurman has been outstanding. After having her goal controversially disallowed in the UWCL first leg against Arsenal, where Chelsea ultimately lost 3-2 on aggregate, the young Netherlands defender has responded in the most effective manner. Spurs goalkeeper Lize Kop was left reaching for nothing as Buurman, who came on as a substitute in the 59th minute, maneuvered around defenders at the edge of the box to unleash a powerful left-footed shot into the top of the net, propelling Chelsea into the semifinals.

Prior to that, it seemed Spurs might frustrate the hosts and at least force extra time. Sam Kerr had given the Blues the lead late in the first half, but Martin Ho’s team managed to equalize in the second half after Eveliina Summanen’s free kick confused goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who misjudged the clearance and failed to keep the ball out. They had additional opportunities to create an upset.

Chelsea’s celebrations were exuberant following Buurman’s late goal. It was a moment of relief, but it is also somewhat unusual for the club to place so much emphasis on an FA Cup quarterfinal, given that this year has been disappointing by their own standards.

The Blues have been dominant domestically, securing six consecutive Women’s Super League (WSL) titles—the most recent of which was an unbeaten season during Bompastor’s inaugural campaign—but they will relinquish their title to Manchester City, who are nine points ahead with only three matches left. In Europe, they had reached the semifinals in each of the previous three seasons, but were eliminated in the quarterfinals this time.

There are certainly mitigating circumstances. The club is undergoing a transition under Bompastor, modifying their squad, tactical strategy, and overall identity. Such changes inevitably lead to initial challenges. Off the field, the departure of head of women’s football Paul Green after 12 years removed a crucial figure who managed recruitment, logistics, and daily operations.

Injuries have also been a significant factor. Striker Mayra Ramírez has missed the entire season, depriving Chelsea of an essential attacking option, particularly with Sam Kerr on limited minutes following her long-term injury. Midfielder Lauren James was unavailable for the first half of the season. Additionally, defensive disruptions have been frequent, with Naomi Girma, Millie Bright, and Nathalie Björn all missing time, hindering any real cohesion at the back.

While none of these factors can justify the club’s disappointing performances, they do provide context and highlight what Chelsea must address this summer to restore the dominance and standards that have characterized them in recent years.

Adding an FA Cup trophy and a top-three WSL finish to their League Cup success would bring some positivity to conclude the season, although it would do little to conceal the disappointment of missing out on the two most significant prizes.

Spurs are also familiar with the concept of rebuilding. After reaching the 2024 FA Cup final—where they were defeated 4-0 by Manchester United—they have been striving to regain the form that took them to Wembley. Under Ho, they started the season strongly and climbed the WSL table, suggesting they could contend for a European spot, but momentum has waned in recent weeks, resulting in four consecutive losses. Had this match occurred earlier in the season, the result might have been quite different.

Nevertheless, Ho’s appointment has infused new energy into the team, supported by several notable signings such as young midfielder Signe Gaupset. By extending the manager’s contract less than a year into his tenure, Spurs have demonstrated their commitment to his long-term vision. Another summer transfer window should further bolster their upward trajectory, where consistency remains the primary challenge as they continue to evolve.

Reaching the FA Cup quarterfinals and securing a top-five finish in the WSL signifies solid progress, and based on this match, the gap to teams like Chelsea is narrowing. Before Buurman’s stunning strike, it would not have been surprising to see Spurs’ name in the semifinal draw. It is just that pivotal moments like that determine the outcome of games, and Chelsea possesses the players capable of delivering in such situations.