Chelsea kick-off Champions League campaign with victory against Real Madrid

Chelsea kicked-off their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge this evening.

Goals from Sjoeke Nüsken, Guro Reiten and Mayra Ramírez helped The Blues to record a hard-fought victory in soggy conditions in South West London.

Sonia Bompastor’s side started well and after two minutes, they took the lead. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s cross found Nüsken and she directed the ball into the net whilst coming under pressure from Real Madrid defender Sheila García. The goal was initially given as an own goal, but was later credited to Nüsken.

In the 28th minute, Chelsea were given a penalty after a high boot from Maëlle Lakrar on Nüsken caused the German midfielder to go down. The penalty was converted by Reiten who slotted the ball into the bottom corner, doubling the hosts’ advantage. 

Real Madrid responded but Chelsea keeper Zećira Mušović twice denied them from getting back into the game. She kept Alba Redondo’s initial effort out with a low save before quickly dealing with the loose ball.

In the 39th minute, Redondo got her goal as Real Madrid capitalised on a Chelsea mistake. The forward’s low strike cleared the defensive line and went through the legs of Mušović.

Chelsea regained their two-goal lead seven minutes into the second half. Lauren James’ floated cross was met by Ramírez, who headed home past Misa Rodríguez.

Real Madrid’s goalscorer Redondo looked to reduce the arrears again, but this time, she couldn’t convert her header. 

In the 83rd minute, Real Madrid substitute Linda Caicedo pulled a goal back. The Colombian forward capitalised on a failed clearance and tapped the ball in from a few yards out. 

The visitors were close to scoring again moments later, but a header was directed straight at Mušović as the game ended 3-2 in Chelsea’s favour.

Both sides are back in UEFA Women’s Champions League action on 17 October 2024. Real Madrid play host to Celtic on Matchday 2 while Chelsea travel to FC Twente.