Chelsea began their Women’s Champions League journey with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Sonia Bompastor’s side. Despite a commanding start, the Blues found themselves under pressure late in the game, narrowly holding off a determined Real Madrid comeback. The win places Chelsea second in Group B, level on points with FC Twente, who also secured a victory in their opening match.
A Dream Start for Chelsea
Chelsea wasted no time asserting their dominance in front of their home crowd, taking the lead within the first two minutes. A well-executed corner saw Sjoeke Nusken’s powerful header deflect off Real Madrid defender Sheila Garcia, sending the ball looping over goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez and into the net. The goal gave Chelsea an early advantage and set the tone for a first half where they largely controlled proceedings.
The Blues continued to press, and their early pressure paid off again within half an hour. Nusken, who had been instrumental in the first goal, was involved once more when she was clipped inside the box by a Real Madrid defender, earning her team a penalty. Guro Reiten, ever-reliable from the spot, stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, doubling Chelsea’s lead and putting them in a commanding position.
At 2-0, it seemed as though Chelsea were on course for a comfortable win, and they looked set to kill the game off early. However, Real Madrid showed resilience, capitalizing on Chelsea’s momentary lapse in concentration.
Real Madrid Fight Back
Just when it appeared Chelsea were cruising, a defensive error gave Real Madrid a lifeline. Alba Redondo, quick to react to a loose ball in the box, fired a shot past Chelsea’s goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had been unexpectedly called into action after an injury to Hannah Hampton just before kick-off. Redondo’s goal, coming late in the first half, shifted the momentum and gave the visitors hope as they headed into the break.
The Blues emerged for the second half determined to regain control, and they did so in impressive fashion. Mayra Ramirez, a key figure in Chelsea’s attack, rose highest to meet a cross, sending a looping header over Misa and into the back of the net to restore Chelsea’s two-goal cushion. At 3-1, it seemed the London side had put the game beyond Real Madrid’s reach.
Caicedo’s Goal Spurs Real Madrid Comeback
Real Madrid were not finished. Substitutions made by manager Alberto Toril injected fresh energy into the Spanish side, with one of those changes, Linda Caicedo, making an immediate impact. Caicedo found herself in the right place at the right time to bundle in Real Madrid’s second goal, cutting Chelsea’s lead to 3-2 and setting up a tense finale at Stamford Bridge.
Despite the pressure, Chelsea managed to hold on, but their second-half performance raised concerns about defensive fragility. What started as a potentially comfortable win turned into a nervous finish, with Real Madrid pressing for a late equalizer that never came.
Chelsea’s Mixed Performance
While Chelsea emerged victorious, the match left plenty of room for reflection. Sonia Bompastor’s side showed their attacking quality, with players like Nusken, Reiten, and Ramirez delivering when it mattered.
Chelsea’s ability to start games strongly was evident, but maintaining that intensity and composure for the full 90 minutes is something Bompastor will no doubt be focusing on ahead of their next group stage fixtures. Conceding two goals from avoidable situations will be a concern, especially in a tournament where defensive solidity is key to long-term success.
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