Chelsea started their Women’s Champions League journey with a 3-2 win against Real Madrid at their home ground, while FC Twente defeated Celtic.
Chelsea started their 2024-25 Women’s Champions League journey with a 3-2 win against Real Madrid in Group B at home.
Bompastor’s Perfect Champions League Debut with Chelsea
With the win, the Blues are now second in their group after one game, and manager Sonia Bompastor, who was in charge of the team for the first time in the Champions League, had a perfect start.
Bompastor guided Lyon to the Champions League final twice in the past three seasons, securing victory in the 2021-22 season. She aims to achieve the same feat in West London this season, and her tenure at Chelsea began perfectly in this match.
Early Lead Sets the Pace for Chelsea
Sjoeke Nusken scored in the second minute to give the home team an early lead, making it the fastest goal in this season’s Champions League.
In horrible weather at Stamford Bridge, things went even better for the hosts when they were given a penalty for a foul on Nusken. Guro Reiten scored 2-0 from the penalty spot in the 28th minute, with Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez unable to get a hand on it despite diving perfectly.
Madrid’s Response and Close Encounter
But Madrid made a comeback 11 minutes later, as Alba Redondo neatly finished through Zecira Musovic’s legs for her second Champions League goal in as many matches.
They failed to take advantage of the opportunity, as Chelsea quickly regained their two-goal lead after the halftime. Mayra Ramirez netted her first goal of the season by heading in Lauren James’ cross seven minutes into the second half.
Late Drama as Madrid Push for an Equalizer
The drama was not over yet. Linda Caicedo, the substitute, once again reduced the deficit for the visitors, making it a nervy final seven minutes for Chelsea. However, the home side managed to hold on to claim a valuable 3 points.
Chelsea has only lost one of their last 19 group-stage matches (W13 D5) and they have been unbeaten in their last 13 matches (W10 D3). The only other team to have participated in every group stage since they were introduced in 2021 and lost just once is Barcelona (W16 D1).
FC Twente Secures 2-0 Victory Over Celtic
FC Twente defeated Celtic 2-0 in their first-ever Champions League game in Group B.
The Dutch team’s Kayleigh van Dooren scored twice, while the Scottish champs managed to hold out until the 44th minute before giving up.
Twente Dominates Possession
As the visitors controlled possession, had more than 70% of the ball, and had twice as many shots on goal as their hosts (six to three), they were really second-best. With five minutes remaining, Twente emerged victorious in the group.
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