Cucurella Stunner Lifts Chelsea Above Manchester City Into Fourth

Chelsea bolstered their Champions League qualification hopes with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over struggling Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, thanks to a spectacular long-range strike from Marc Cucurella.

The Spanish defender's stunning effort in the second half lifted Chelsea above Manchester City into fourth place in the Premier League, putting them two points clear in the race for a top-four finish.

It was only Chelsea's fourth win in their last 12 league games, but it came as a much-needed response to manager Enzo Maresca's call for his team to win all their remaining home fixtures to secure a Champions League spot.

Despite securing the three points, Chelseas performance remained unconvincing. Cole Palmer missed a first-half penalty, extending his seven-game run without a goal or assist, while Leicester came close to punishing Chelseas defensive lapses.

Maresca, who guided Leicester to promotion last season before departing for Chelsea, watched as his former side edged closer to relegation. Ruud van Nistelrooy's Foxes have now lost five straight league games and are six points from safety.