Man United and Manchester City have both experienced contrasting emotions over the past week.
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A two-image collage showing a vertical image of Manchester United's Maya Le Tissier on the left and Manchester City striker Vivianne Miedema on the right.
Manchester United and Manchester City have had a mixed week.(Image: Getty Images.)
Manchester City put one foot in the semi-finals of the Women's Champions League after beating Chelsea 2-0 at the Joie Stadium on Wednesday night.
Just days after being beaten by the Londoners in the League Cup final, interim City chief Nick Cushing masterminded an impressive victory over the current Women's Super League (WSL) leaders, who were previously unbeaten this season.
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Manchester United, meanwhile, missed the chance to close the gap on Chelsea at the WSL summit after suffering a rare defeat. As part of the Manchester Evening News' weekly women's football notebook, here is a round-up of the five biggest talking points from the women's football scene across Manchester from the past week and ahead of this weekend.
City edged out in League Cup final
City missed out on landing the first piece of silverware of the season last Saturday, losing 2-1 to Chelsea in the Women's League Cup final at Pride Park in what was Cushing's first game in charge since returning to the club as interim boss.
After falling behind after just eight minutes via Mayra Ramirez's opener, City fought back and clawed themselves level 19 minutes into the second half when Aoba Fujino picked the ball up from deep, ventured forward and unleashed a powerful effort from the right channel of the penalty area.
However, much to City's frustration, Chelsea reclaimed the lead 13 minutes from time when midfielder Yui Hasegawa turned the ball into her own net after failing to deal with Ramirez's low cross from the right.
Despite the outcome, returning City boss Cushing was encouraged by what he saw from his team, admitting: "It's tough, these finals always swing on moments, this one fell to Chelsea but I've seen enough to know we can be competitive in the next three games. I believe this team can win, I wouldn't be here if I didn't. You have to move on."
Mille Bright and her teammates celebrate with the League Cup trophy.
Chelsea got the better of Manchester City in the League Cup final.(Image: Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images.)
City get immediate revenge
Just four days after being beaten by Chelsea at Pride Park, City got revenge on the Londoners at the Joie Stadium on Wednesday night, beating them 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
After a goalless first half, City sealed a priceless first leg lead thanks to a second half double from substitute Vivianne Miedema. She opened the scoring on the hour mark, turning the ball home from close range after Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton had initially made a superb save, tipping the ball onto the crossbar.
The Netherlands international, 28, then added a second with two minutes remaining, firing in a low shot from about 12 yards out after receiving an inside pass from January signing Kerolin.
It marked Chelsea's first defeat of the season and their first under boss Sonia Bompastor, who succeeded Emma Hayes last May. Before the two sides go head-to-head again in the second leg of their Champions League tie at Stamford Bridge next Thursday, they meet once again on Sunday in the WSL at the Joie Stadium. Kick-off is 2.30pm.
United's winning run ends
United's seven-game winning run in the WSL reached a surprise conclusion last Friday night with a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
Despite heading into the contest brimming with confidence after a run of six victories on the spin in all competitions, United found themselves 3-0 down before they mustered a late response through Maya Le Tissier's second goal in as many games in the closing stages.
Manchester United boss Marc Skinner and his players applaud the fans after their defeat at Anfield.
Manchester United suffered a rare defeat last time out.(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
United started well, dominating proceedings in the opening exchanges, but two Liverpool goals late in the first half saw them go into the break 2-0 down and facing an uphill struggle. The Merseysiders added a third goal after 67 minutes to put the contest beyond doubt.
Boss Marc Skinner felt it was an 'uncharacteristic' display from his team, saying afterwards: "We need to assess what we've done and make it better for next week.
"The detail in our crossing today was off. The delivery needed to be better. If you look at it, there's spaces where we've cut in and it's just slashing at the ball. That's why I say it was uncharacteristic."
FA Cup semi-final details confirmed
The all-Manchester FA Cup semi-final between City and United next month will take place at the Joie Stadium on Sunday, April 13. The pair progressed with victories over Aston Villa and Sunderland respectively earlier this month.
The semi-final showdown will kick-off at 2pm and will be live on BBC Two. The two sides have faced each other twice already this season, each winning one apiece.
Manchester City ace Yui Hasegawa tries to shield possession under pressure from Manchester United's Ella Toone.
Manchester City and Manchester United will go head-to-head for a place at Wembley.
United won the Women's FA Cup for the first time last season, beating Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Wembley. They reached the final the previous year, too, losing 1-0 to Chelsea. City last reached the final in 2022 and were also beaten by Chelsea, losing 3-2.
The winner of the all-Manchester clash will face Chelsea or Liverpool in the final at Wembley on Sunday, May 18.
United head to Villa
Following last week's defeat at Liverpool, United will be hoping to prove it was nothing more than a blip when they travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa in the WSL on Sunday afternoon, kick-off 4.30pm.
The Reds are third in the table, only behind second-placed Arsenal on goal difference, meaning they currently occupy the final Champions League qualification spot for next season. However, they are only four points ahead of neighbours City in fourth.
Skinner's side have only lost two WSL matches this season, losing 1-0 to Chelsea back in November prior to last week's defeat to Liverpool. United have not lost back-to-back league games since losing their final two games of last season.
You can order March's edition of Women's Football News by clicking here.