Chelsea began their Women’s Champions League campaign with a 3-2 win over Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge.
Despite not having played for 10 days following the postponement of Sunday’s Women’s Super League fixture against Manchester United, the Blues made a lightning-quick start in west London.
Sonia Bompastor’s side took a second-minute lead through Sjoeke Nusken as the midfielder’s header deflected off Sheila Garcia to wrongfoot Real goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez and creep into the bottom corner.
Guro Reiten’s penalty put Chelsea 2-0 up
Nusken was then involved in Chelsea’s second as she won a penalty when Real defender Maria Mendez brought her down, and Guro Reiten cooly converted from the spot to double the lead in the 27th minute.
Just before half time, though, Real Madrid got themselves back into the game when Alba Redondo fired through the legs of Chelsea goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who was a late replacement for Hannah Hampton, who was taken ill before kick-off.
But Chelsea restored their two-goal lead eight minutes into the second half as Mayra Ramirez’s header from Lauren James’ cross looped over Rodriguez.
The home side looked in total control until Real substitute Linda Caicedo prodded home an 84th-minute goal to set up a nervy finish.
But Chelsea held on to give Bompastor victory in her first European game in charge. Her side next visit Group B leaders Twente, who opened their campaign with a 2-0 win at Celtic.
Bompastor: Important win but we must be smarter
Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor:
“Happy with the result. Always important to start with three points, especially at home.
“They are the highest ranking, after us, in the group. 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.”
WCL round-up: No dream start for Celtic
Celtic Women acknowledge the crowd after their defeat to Twente
Kayleigh van Dooren’s double ensured there would be no dream start for Celtic Women in their first outing in the Women’s Champions League group stages.
After a positive start, Elena Sadiku’s side fell behind to Twente, as Van Dooren chipped the ball over Kelsey Daugherty just before half-time. The 25-year-old then doubled her tally in the second half despite a valiant attempt from Celtic to claw their way back into the game.
Sadiku: I’m proud of the effort
Celtic boss Elena Sadiku:
“It was a great effort. The girls fought very well but we are still disappointed. We should have defended the first goal better. We started the first 15 minutes really well, looked like the better side.
“They created chances and we were not as brave as we can be with the ball. We need to learn from that. It is a great experience and I am proud of the efforts of the girls.
“They fought hard but I am disappointed with the goals we let in. We had chances and we didn’t execute them. We had a lot of corners and we should score from at least one. I am so proud of the effort and the work they have put in.”
Matchday 2: October 16/17
Matchday 3: November 12/13
Matchday 4: November 20/21
Matchday 5: December 11/12
Matchday 6: December 17/18
