Emma Hayes will be delighted to have top spot in the group sewn up with a game to spare after victory at Stamford Bridge
When Chelsea travelled to the Spanish capital to face Real Madrid in their second Women's Champions League group game of the season, they were robbed of two points by a pair of quite ludicrous refereeing decisions. So on Wednesday, Emma Hayes will feel like justice was served, as her Blues side beat Los Blancos 2-1 to secure their place in the quarter finals with a game to spare.
Inspired by the brilliance of Fran Kirby, Chelsea played some beautiful stuff in the opening stages, while also showing some vulnerability to the mercurial talents of World Cup breakout star Linda Caicedo in transition.
Despite Guro Reiten and Mia Fishel having great chances in the first half, the two sides went into the break level, and it would take an error from Madrid's Hayley Raso to help break the deadlock. She clumsily brought down Niamh Charles in the box and up stepped Reiten to slot home from 12 yards.
Raso's scrappy equaliser six minutes later brought Chelsea back down to earth, but they did not rest on their laurels, with the gloriously untamed Erin Cuthbert forcing the ball home through sheer determination a matter of seconds later.
After that, it was pretty much plain sailing, and Hayes will be delighted that top spot is secured heading into next week's final group game against Paris FC.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
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Hannah Hampton (6/10):
Kept her place over ZMusovic and made a couple of decent saves to deny the impressive Caicedo a goal in the first half. Pushed the ball back into the danger to allow Raso to equalise, but was solid otherwise.
Ashley Lawrence (7/10):
Looked comfortable in possession and defended competently. Does not offer loads in the final third, but this actually balances out nicely with Charles' attacking intent.
Kadeisha Buchanan (5/10):
Caused a few issues by Caicedo. Distribution was pretty good, though she was caught out too high for the Madrid goal.
Jess Carter (6/10):
Dogged display at the heart of defence. Brought the ball out nicely at times and was unfortunate for the goal after covering well.
Niamh Charles (7/10):
Progressed the ball outstandingly down the left, but the execution of her final pass was lacking at times. Saying that, she won the penalty by showing quick feet.
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Erin Cuthbert (9/10):
Handed the captain's armband and rose to the occasion with a typically committed display. Created a few good opportunities and her goal was just reward for her determination.
Melanie Leupolz (7/10):
Held down the fort at the base of midfield competently, as well as moving into more advanced positions to good effect.
Fran Kirby (7/10):
Chelsea's creative engine room. Her ability to play perfectly-weighted through balls when dribbling at speed is quite remarkable.
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Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (6/10):
One or two really bright moments, but you were left wanting her to be slightly more impactful.
Mia Fishel (5/10):
Hold-up play was serviceable, but missed a great chance from close range. With new signing Mayra Ramirez watching on from the stands, she'll be concerned about her long-term playing time prospects.
Guro Reiten (7/10):
Linked up well with Charles, particularly in the first half. Converted the spot kick, before celebrating with her trademark roar.
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Lauren James (7/10):
Only denied a spectacular goal by a good save. One or two excellent passes.
Aggie Beever-Jones (6/10):
Full of agency in the closing stages.
Sjoeke Nusken (5/10):
Not massively involved, but helped see the game out.
Emma Hayes (7/10):
Fishel's performance is a slight worry, but scoring twice without a recognised No.9 on the pitch will be very pleasing. Most importantly, they're through, so Hayes can rest players in Paris next week.