Chelsea progresses in Champions League with 2-1 win against Real Madrid, sealed by Guro Reiten’s penalty and an own goal by Mylene Chavas

Chelsea secured their spot in the UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout stages by defeating Real Madrid 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. Although Real Madrid was already out of contention in Group D, they delivered a determined performance that posed a threat to Emma Hayes’ side for a significant duration. The breakthrough came in the second half when a penalty, conceded by Hayley Raso on Niamh Charles, allowed Guro Reiten to open the scoring. Real Madrid leveled the score when Hannah Hampton saved a powerful shot from Raso, only for Athenea del Castillo to capitalize on the rebound. However, Chelsea quickly regained the lead as Erin Cuthbert’s driven cross was inadvertently turned into her own net by Real goalkeeper Mylene Chavas. Chelsea secured the win, earning three points that guarantee their progression from Group D. Paris FC and Hacken, trailing Chelsea by four and three points respectively, are vying for the remaining spot in the knockout stages.

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DISCUSSION POINT – HAYES TRIUMPHS IN STRATEGIC EXAMINATION

Real Madrid introduced a tactical shift in this match, opting for a challenging setup with two defensive lines instead of their usual wide-attacking approach. FIFA The Best nominee Linda Caicedo was given a liberated role to exploit Chelsea on the counter, posing a threat before succumbing to an ankle injury.

Her replacement, Athenea del Castillo, mirrored the threat in that specific area and leveled the score for Real. Only after falling behind for the second time did Real Madrid alter their strategy, nearly succeeding against one of the top contenders in the competition.

Acknowledgment is due to Hayes for configuring her team with overlapping full-backs and wingers on both sides to counteract Real’s defensive structure. The most effective moves for the Blues originated from these wide areas, including the play that led to the penalty for the opening goal.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – GURO REITEN (CHELSEA)

While Chelsea showcased several commendable performances, especially from the robust center-back duo of Kadeisha Buchanan and Jess Carter, it was Guro Reiten on Chelsea’s left wing who consistently posed a threat to Real Madrid throughout the match. Despite a missed opportunity for an assist due to Erin Cuthbert’s errant finish, Reiten efficiently converted a penalty to secure a goal for herself.

PLAYER RATINGS

Chelsea: Hampton 6, Lawrence 8, Buchanan 8, Carter 7, Charles 7, Leupolz 7, Cuthbert 8, Reiten 8, Kirby 7, Kaneryd 6, Fishel 6. Subs: James 7, Nüsken 6, Beever-Jones 6.

Real Madrid: Chavas 3, Robles 6, Andres 7, Kathellen 7, Svava 7, Raso 6, Abelleira 7, Zornoza 7, Oroz 7, Caicedo 8, Moller 7. Subs: Athenea 8, Oloffsson 6, Feller 7, Rodriguez 6, Hernandez 6.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

63’ – PENALTY!

Raso fouls Charles in the box, resulting in a clear penalty. Reiten steps up to take it.

64’ – GOAL! CHELSEA 1-0 REAL MADRID (REITEN)

Reiten confidently converts the penalty, steering Chelsea into a deserved lead. Can they build on this advantage and secure the win?

70’ – GOAL! CHELSEA 1-1 REAL MADRID (ATHENEA)

Real Madrid counter with a brilliant cross-field ball to Raso, whose shot is saved by Hampton, only for Athenea del Castillo to capitalize on the rebound.

72’ – GOAL! CHELSEA 2-1 REAL MADRID (OG: CHAVAS)

Chelsea regains the lead, courtesy of a goalkeeper error as Chavas inadvertently deflects a Cuthbert cross into her own net. Chelsea holds the advantage.