Chelsea roar back to beat Celtic and continue perfect record under Bompastor
Chelsea maintained their perfect start to the UEFA Women’s Champions League season after coming from behind to beat Celtic 2-1.
Murphy Agnew gave the hosts a shock 22nd-minute lead at Celtic Park, with what was their first ever group-stage goal in the competition.
However, within 10 minutes, goals from Maika Hamano and Ashley Lawrence turned the contest on its head, and eventually proved enough to seal maximum points for the visitors, who had Agnes Beever-Jones sent off late on.
Chelsea quickly established their authority on proceedings, but found themselves behind midway through the half. Amy Gallacher’s precise through ball released Agnew, who raced away before calmly lifting over Blues goalkeeper Zecira Musovic.
But the visitors responded well and were level in the 28th minute when Beever-Jones crossed for Hamano, whose first-time shot took a deflection on the way past Kelsey Daugherty.
The turnaround was completed four minutes later when Erin Cuthbert’s strike was blocked with the ball ricocheting to Lawrence who, at the second attempt, lifted it into the roof of the net.
Sonia Bompastor’s side looked to stretch their lead after the break with Catarina Macario and Oriane Jean-Francois going the closest, but the single-goal advantage ultimately proved enough to get them over the line.
Although, they were reduced to 10 players in the dying moments, with Beever-Jones given her marching orders for two late tackles on Colette Cavanagh.
Talking Point – Chelsea go nine from nine to stay perfect
Though the teams were separated by a single goal, it was a very one-sided contest at Celtic Park.
Chelsea enjoyed 71.9% of the possession, had 2.8 XG (expected goals) and registered 65 touches in their opponents’ box while facing just nine.
The Blues were given a scare when Agnew raced away on the counter to score Celtic’s historic maiden Champions League group-stage goal, but they quickly restored their authority on proceedings.
Bompastor’s side were soon back in front and would have enjoyed a healthier lead, but for smart saves from Daugherty.
As it was, the single-goal margin was enough for them to make it nine wins from nine across all competitions this season.
Player of the Match – Kelsey Daugherty (Celtic)
She may have been on the losing side, but Daugherty made some fine saves to ensure the scoreline remained respectable as far as Celtic were concerned.
The American made nine stops in all, notably demonstrating superb reflexes to thwart Macario and Jean-Francois in the second half.
Player Ratings
Celtic: Daugherty 8*, Barclais 6, Clark 7, McGregor 7, Lourenco 6, Smith 6, Ross 6, Lawton 6, Gallacher 7, Ashworth-Clifford 6, Agnew 7. Subs: Hayes 6, Cavanagh 6, Cross 5, Noonan 5, McAneny N/A.
Chelsea: Musovic 7, Perisset 7, Mpome 7, Bjorn 7, Lawrence 8, Jean-Francois 8, Cuthbert 7, Baltimore 7, Kaptein 7, Hamano 7, Beever-Jones 7. Subs: Reiten 6, Bronze 6, Rytting Kaneryd 7, Macario 7.
Match Highlights
22′ GOAL!!! CELTIC 1-0 CHELSEA (AGNEW): The hosts take a shock lead at Celtic Park, and it’s very much against the run of play! Having been on the back foot for most of this contest, Celtic suddenly counter with Gallacher’s through ball releasing Agnew. The forward races away and maintains her composure brilliantly, lifting over the advancing Musovic to score her club’s first goal in the Women’s Champions League group stages.
28′ GOAL!!! CELTIC 1-1 CHELSEA (HAMANO): A superb response from the visitors, who have levelled matters! Beever-Jones is adjudged to have timed her run well to stay onside and pulls a low ball back for Hamano, whose first-time shot takes a deflection and Daugherty cannot keep it out.
32′ GOAL!!! CELTIC 1-2 CHELSEA (LAWRENCE): The visitors have turned things around at Celtic Park! After Musovic races out of goal to prevent Agnew racing onto another through ball, Chelsea quickly counter and a neat one-two with Kaptein gets Baltimore in behind. The latter’s low cross comes to Cuthbert, who is denied by Daugherty. However, the ball breaks to Lawrence and, at the second attempt, she lifts it into the roof of the net.
41′ OVER: The visitors look to extend their lead and force another corner. A deep delivery is nodded down into the path of Cuthbert, who has space to shoot, but she cannot keep her volley down.
72′ GOOD SAVE: Daugherty produces a marvellous reflex save to tip over Macario’s vicious long-range effort. Bjorn has an opportunity soon after, but fires over from close range.
80′ SAVE: Jean-Francois calls Daugherty into action with a well-struck attempt from distance. Chelsea continue to press, but the Celtic goalkeeper thwarts Beever-Jones’ header.
90+5′ RED CARD: Chelsea will play out the final few seconds with 10 players, after Beever-Jones’ late challenge on Cavanagh sees her sent for an early bath.
Key Stats
Chelsea are now unbeaten in their last 15 Champions League group-stage fixtures, winning 12.
The Blues are also unbeaten in their last 12 Champions League away games, winning each of the most recent six.
