The Colombia international was involved in both goals as the champions of England won the competition for the first time in four years.
Chelsea ended an incredible run of three successive Women's League Cup final losses by defeating Manchester City in Saturday's final to claim the first trophy of the Sonia Bompastor era. Mayra Ramirez's first half strike and an unfortunate own goal just 13 minutes from time by Yui Hasegawa gave the Blues the victory and what they will hope is the first of four trophies this term.
There were just eight minutes on the clock when Chelsea broke the deadlock, Lauren James' perfect pass releasing Ramirez, who beat Ayaka Yamashita at the second time of asking. The Colombia international should've had a second before the half hour mark, too, but could only find the sidenetting after rounding the goalkeeper with ease.
For Man City, clear-cut chances proved hard to come by. Hannah Hampton was forced into a few smart stops but the Chelsea players were largely able to crowd out star striker Khadija Shaw, who had an enthralling individual battle with Millie Bright. Instead, the Blues had a big opportunity to double their lead on the hour mark, only for Yamashita to make a fantastic point blank save to deny Johanna Rytting Kaneyrd. Within four minutes, City made that miss look costly when Aoba Fujino somehow beat Hampton at her near post.
However, Chelsea would not be left to rue chances gone by. Not long after Hampton redeemed herself with a strong block to thwart Shaw, Ramirez was tormenting the City defence again and it was her cross that was turned into her own net by Hasegawa for the game-defining moment. It was a cruel way for the final to be decided, especially given Hasegawa's world-class consistency for her club, but Chelsea won't care about that as they celebrate winning the first of four trophies on offer in these final two months of the season.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Pride Park…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Hannah Hampton (5/10):
Made some strong saves throughout but had to do better for City's equaliser.
Lucy Bronze (6/10):
Was up against an in-form opponent in Fowler but did well to limit her impact. Offered a good outlet going forward, though wasn't without some sloppy moments.
Nathalie Bjorn (7/10):
Mopped up well at the back and did very little wrong on the ball.
Millie Bright (7/10):
Had a good battle with Shaw, winning her fair share of a tough duel.
Sandy Baltimore (6/10):
Had a few sloppy moments when she didn't seem to be fully switched on but balanced it out with some great attacking play, including a brilliant pass which put Ramirez one-on-one.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Sjoeke Nusken (7/10):
Got stuck into her defending and battled hard to keep City at bay.
Erin Cuthbert (7/10):
Provided great support to the defence, often mopping up in the box.
Catarina Macario (6/10):
Had a few strong runs where she brushed opponents aside to start an attack, with her part in the goal the most noteworthy example.
Getty Images SportAttack
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (5/10):
Really quiet. Was a little more involved at the start of the second half but generally struggled to make an impact.
Mayra Ramirez (8/10):
Had Aleixandri's number in their individual duel, always winning. Should've scored twice but made a difference with her lone strike and the teasing cross that Hasegawa turned into her own net.
Lauren James (7/10):
Had some bright moments going forward, played a sublime pass for Ramirez's opener and honoured her defensive duties well.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Aggie Beever-Jones (N/A):
Didn't have too much time to make her mark but added energy and played her role in the winning goal.
Maika Hamano (N/A):
Another introduction which injected more life into this Chelsea team in the closing stages.
Wieke Kaptein (N/A):
Replaced Ramirez shortly after the winning goal went in and helped her side see the game out.
Niamh Charles (N/A):
Another late sub as Chelsea protected the result.
Sonia Bompastor (7/10):
Deployed a battle-hardened team that suited the conditions of a not-so-great pitch and a game that was scrappy in parts, while still sprinkled with game-changing quality. Didn't panic with her subs either, waiting patiently to make them, and once introduced they made an impact, helping to secure victory and a first trophy of her Chelsea era.