Chelsea dominates with a 4-0 victory, concluding the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage in style against Paris FC

Having already secured qualification, Chelsea concluded the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage impressively, securing a 4-0 victory against Paris FC. Goals from Fran Kirby, Mia Fishel, Guro Reiten, and Maren Mjelde contributed to Emma Hayes’ team finishing the group stage with a total of 14 points from six matches. BK Hacken FF secured the second position with 11 points, while Paris FC finished third, and Real Madrid ended up at the bottom of the group.

Chelsea concluded their Group D campaign in the UEFA Women’s Champions League in an impressive manner, securing a 4-0 away victory against Paris FC with a rotated squad. Prior to kick-off, Emma Hayes’ team already knew they had advanced to the knockout stages as group winners, while the home side needed a win and other favorable results to progress. Despite fielding several squad options, Chelsea displayed a highly professional performance on the night, taking the lead just 12 minutes into the match through Fran Kirby’s header at the back post.

As the first half unfolded, Paris FC initiated several threatening moves but struggled to convert their chances. Mia Fishel extended Chelsea’s lead to 2-0 at halftime with a headed finish. Despite the support of a record crowd, the French side made efforts to stage a comeback in the second half but couldn’t find the necessary finishing touch. Chelsea’s clinical performance was sealed with second-half goals from Guro Reiten and Maren Mjelde, securing a 4-0 victory that showcased their European pedigree.

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DISCUSSION POINT – CHELSEA’S DOMINANT PERFORMANCE

Paris FC showcased an impressive journey in the Champions League, eliminating Arsenal and last year’s finalists Wolfsburg in the qualifiers and maintaining their qualification hopes until the final matchday. What stands out is the noteworthy achievement of a depleted Chelsea side, lacking several key players, comfortably overcoming them.

While Paris FC’s inefficient finishing played a part in the one-sided scoreline, significant praise is warranted for Chelsea’s clinical performance at crucial moments. The Chelsea team demonstrated a sense of control throughout the match and seemed capable of elevating their game when needed.

While more formidable challenges lie ahead in the competition, securing the top spot in Group D ensures that Emma Hayes’ side will likely face less formidable opponents in the next round. The draw for the next stage is scheduled for February 6.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – KADEISHA BUCHANAN (CHELSEA)

Chelsea’s Canadian center-back, Kadeisha Buchanan, showcased an exceptional performance in the French capital, demonstrating her top-notch abilities. Buchanan, often likened to a Rolls Royce when in peak form, played a commanding role in the back-line, which faced considerable pressure from Paris at times. Despite the challenges, she made crucial blocks and interceptions, effectively neutralizing the home team’s attack.

While Buchanan occasionally faces criticism for turnovers, it’s important to note that this is a result of Chelsea’s confidence in utilizing her ball-playing skills. Notably, almost every instance of Chelsea playing out from the back involved Buchanan taking on the responsibility of distribution.

PLAYER ASSESSMENTS

Paris FC: Nnadozie 4, Bogaert 5, Ould Hocine 7, Greboval 6, Soyer 4, Corboz 5, Thiney 8, Le Mouel 7, Mateo 6, Bourdieu 6, Dufour 5. Substitutes: Korosec 6, Bussy 7, Ribadeira 6, Ndongala 6

Chelsea: Musovic 6, Lawrence 7, Buchanan 9, Mjelde 8, Perisset 7, Nusken 7, Ingle 6, Kirby 7, Cankovic 8, Beever-Jones 7, Fishel 7. Substitutes: Reiten 8, Kaneryd 7, Charles 6

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

12’ – GOAL! PARIS FC 0-1 CHELSEA (KIRBY) – Fran Kirby effortlessly scores as a well-executed move down the Chelsea left provides Cankovic ample time to deliver a cross. Kirby meets it with a superb header at the back post, giving the visitors the lead. This goal is likely to prompt a more attacking approach from the home team, who must win this match to have a chance of qualifying.

38’ – GOAL! PARIS FC 0-2 CHELSEA (FISHEL) – Right on cue, Mia Fishel scores her first goal in this Champions League campaign with a decent header. She holds off her marker to connect with Cankovic’s cross, directing it down to beat the goalkeeper. Despite the game not being one-sided, Chelsea is now cruising with a 2-0 lead. Can Paris make a comeback for the crucial win they need? It could be an entertaining game if they manage.

75’ – GOAL! PARIS FC 0-3 CHELSEA (REITEN) – The game is effectively over as Paris faces defensive confusion, failing to deal with a lofted ball forward from Ingle. Nnadozie is caught in no-man’s-land as Reiten slots the ball into an empty net. Chelsea secures the win, marking the end of Paris FC’s inspiring Champions League run.

81’ – GOAL! PARIS FC 0-4 CHELSEA (MJELDE) – In a remarkable turn of events, Chelsea extends their lead to 4-0 as Reiten delivers a corner and the centre-back glances a header into the far bottom corner. This scoreline, despite the game’s flow, underscores Chelsea’s ruthlessness and control, despite Paris’s efforts.

IMPORTANT STATISTICS

Paris FC generated more than twice the number of shots as Chelsea throughout the game. However, out of Paris’s 14 attempts, only one was on target, whereas Chelsea capitalized on all four of their on-target shots.