Chelsea Start Women’s Champions League with Strong Win

Chelsea Women kicked off their Champions League campaign with a narrow 3-2 win over Real Madrid on Tuesday, 8 October.

Despite a 10-day break due to the postponement of their Women’s Super League clash against Manchester United, the Blues started strongly at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London, England.

Chelsea midfielder, Sjoeke Nusken, opened the scoring in just the second minute, as her header deflected off Madrid defender Sheila Garcia and found the net. Shortly after, Nusken won a penalty, which Guro Reiten converted to put the hosts 2-0 up by the 27th minute.

The visitors responded before half-time, with Alba Redondo firing through the legs of Zecira Musovic, who had stepped in late after Hannah Hampton was sidelined by illness. Chelsea restored their two-goal lead early in the second half, as Mayra Ramirez headed a cross from Lauren James.

Real Madrid made it a nervy finish when substitute Linda Caicedo scored in the 84th minute, but Chelsea held on to secure the three points.

Blues manager, Sonia Bompastor, acknowledged the importance of the win in a post-match interview, but felt the team could have been more disciplined: “I wish we managed the game more and when I say managed, it’s not about slowing down the game. It’s about being smarter.”

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