Barcelona and Bayern Munich wrapped up their respective domestic titles, while Paris Saint-Germain picked up another Coupe de France trophy. In the Women's Super League, a hectic three minutes at the end of Manchester City vs. Arsenal preceded a goal-fest at Chelsea that breathed life back into the title race.
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Blackstenius strikes late to upset City charge
Although Man City have kept themselves in the title hunt with some consistent performances, the worry all season has been the threat of an injury to one of their flying front three which could disrupt the flow of the most proficient attack in the WSL.
That fear was realised last month when WSL leading scorer Khadija "Bunny" Shaw picked up a foot injury which ruled her out for the last few games of the season and although City still have three world-class attackers -- in Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Mary Fowler -- the team haven't looked right without the prolific Jamaican leading the line.
Knowing that a win against Arsenal on Sunday would catapult them toward a first WSL crown since 2016, City looked good in the first half and managed to keep their opponents pushed back. But Hemp's first-half strike wasn't enough as a revitalised Arsenal dug in after the break and Stina Blackstenius struck twice at the death to snatch all three points.
City's lack of ideas and inability to hold on -- for the second time this season -- against the Gunners showcased a naivety that could cost them the trophy if Chelsea win their final two games.
Chelsea open up against Bristol City
Chelsea's final season under manager Emma Hayes has been far from vintage and it's clear how mentally and emotionally exhausting it has been. Still struggling for clutch goals without the injured Sam Kerr, the blows have come thick and fast over the last month: from losing the Conti Cup in extra time to Arsenal, to being knocked out of the FA Cup semifinals by Manchester United, to their draining Champions League semifinal exit across two legs against Barcelona.
In action twice this week as they play fixture catchup, the Blues were chaotic in the 4-3 defeat to Liverpool in midweek and, after the game, Hayes tried to relieve the pressure on the shoulders of her players by conceding the title.
But, following Arsenal's late helping hand in Manchester, Chelsea took to the pitch at Kingsmeadow for Hayes' last Chelsea home game knowing that they could get back into the picture and ripped into the already relegated Bristol City.
Powered by four goals from Guro Reiten, the 8-0 win handed Chelsea a +1 goal difference advantage over City that could prove crucial in the final standings. The Blues sit three points adrift with a game in hand against Tottenham on May 15, and a win there would put them in control of title race on the final matchday.
High-flying Liverpool up to fourth
Matt Beard's Liverpool have been inconsistent but, after a wobbly first campaign back in the WSL last term, we have seen some of their best this season. The spirit and belief was on show in the 4-3 win over Chelsea in midweek and then when heavy legs could have been a factor against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, the Reds stood firm to take control of fourth spot with a 1-0 win.
Liverpool wasted a few chances in the first half, but managed to hold on to the lead claimed given to them by Jenna Clark just before half-time as United ran out of ideas. There will always be work to be done for any team looking to challenge the traditional top three in the WSL, but the Reds have taken a seismic step this season.