Chelsea Women began their Women's Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night. Sonia Bompastor’s side were on the front foot from the first whistle, taking the lead inside three minutes through a deflected header from Sjoeke Nüsken. Real Madrid began to grow into the game and threatened the hosts, but Chelsea doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Guro Reiten converted from the spot after a foul on Nüsken. However, a stunning finish from Alba Redondo just before half-time gave Real a lifeline and set up an intriguing second half. Chelsea did enough to hold onto their lead and secure three points, although the Spanish side could have salvaged a draw late on in the match.
Chelsea had a dream start to the game when Nüsken’s header, intended for Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, was deflected by Sheila García and dribbled past Misa Rodriguez to give the home side the lead. Real Madrid slowly started to gain control of the game and enjoyed more possession, but were unable to penetrate Chelsea’s well-organized defense. Real Madrid’s Caroline Weir tested Chelsea’s backup goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had replaced the injured Hannah Hampton just before kickoff. The Blues then doubled their lead after Nüsken was fouled in the box as the Real defenders attempted to deal with a difficult bouncing ball. Guro Reiten’s well-struck penalty shot found the back of the net, giving the hosts a two-goal cushion.
However, Real Madrid pulled one back in the 39th minute when a volley from Redondo went through the legs of Musovic. Chelsea’s Lauren James did not have much of an impact on the game, frustratingly for the hosts. Real Madrid then had a golden opportunity to equalize with a double save from Musovic. The second half saw Chelsea continue their dominance with a string of chances, although the game was not all one-sided. The Blues were unable to add a third goal, but held firm to secure all three points.
Key Moments
Chelsea’s early goal
Chelsea took the lead inside two minutes through an own goal by Real Madrid defender Sheila García.
Redondo pulls one back for Real Madrid
Real Madrid came back into the game in the 39th minute when Alba Redondo finished off a well-worked move, firing a shot through the legs of Chelsea’s goalkeeper.
Musovic’s double save
Chelsea’s goalkeeper Zecira Musovic was called on to make a double save in the 47th minute to deny Real Madrid an equalizer.
What’s next?
Chelsea will look to continue their winning ways in the Champions League when they face Celtic in their next group match. Real Madrid will face FC Twente in their next fixture.
A thrilling encounter
The match between Chelsea and Real Madrid was a tense and exciting affair, full of end-to-end action. Chelsea’s victory was well-deserved, but Real Madrid showed enough to suggest that they are a force to be reckoned with in this year’s competition.
