Chelsea edged closer to qualifying for the quarter finals of the Champions League with a hard fought 2-0 victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday evening.
Second half goals from Sophie Ingle and Erin Cuthbert proved to be the difference in a tight Kingsmeadow encounter.
The first half was a close affair of very few chances. Fran Kirby drew a stretching save from Misa Rodriguez inside three minutes after some trademark linkup play with Sam Kerr as Chelsea started in the accedency. But Real grew into the game, Caroline Weir seeing a goal-bound effort blocked by Kadeisha Buchanan as the opening 45 finished goalless.
Having finished the first half strongly, Real carried on from where they left off at the beginning of the second, testing Ann-Katrin Berger with a Naomie Feller cross after the winger had burst past Magdalena Eriksson.
Jessie Fleming and Lauren James were introduced early in the second period, and the pair breathed new life into the Chelsea team with their energy and flair.
Having hardly threatened since the opening exchanges, a set piece was required for Chelsea to take the lead in the 68th minute. Erin Cuthbert’s corner was flicked on by Millie Bright, and Ingle headed home.
Real went in search of a leveller, with the right flank continuing to be a source of danger for the visitors. Kenti Robles provided a teasing delivery for Esther to latch onto, but again Buchanan was on hand to make an important intervention.
Moments later, Chelsea doubled their advantage – and in fortuitous circumstances, as Cuthbert’s attempted cross from the right inadvertently flew into the top corner.
Niamh Charles fired into the side netting as the clocked ticked down after being magnificently found by James, as Chelsea ultimately ran out deserved winners.
GK: Ann-Katrin Berger – 6/10 – Got an important touch to a dangerous Feller cross in the second half and had a couple of comfortable saves to make, but was up to the task.
RB: Niamh Charles – 7/10 – Looked lively and was constantly up and down, seeing an over hit cross almost catch out Misa as it landed on the roof of the net in the first half, and seeing another effort hit the side netting in the second after another foray forward.
CB: Kadeisha Buchanan – 8/10 – Produced an important block to keep out a goal bound Weir effort in the first half, and another to deny Esther in the second.
CB: Millie Bright – 8/10 – Cut out pass after pass for the Blues…
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