Beatrice Chebet Makes History – First Woman Under 14 Minutes in 5,000 m
Chelsea Women triumphed over Real Madrid Women 2-1 at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium. The thrilling encounter ensured Chelsea finished top of Group B with a perfect record.
Sonia Bompastor’s team extended their unbeaten streak to 16 matches across all competitions, setting a strong tone for the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals.
Caroline Weir’s Early Strike Puts Real Madrid Ahead
Real Madrid took an early lead in the seventh minute. Caroline Weir, assisted by Linda Caicedo, unleashed a strike that slipped past Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, despite her attempt to push it over the bar.
Chelsea responded with intense pressure. Guro Reiten nearly scored from a well-worked corner but Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez tipped the long-range strike onto the roof of the net. Real Madrid came close to doubling their lead when Weir set up Olga Carmona, whose powerful shot narrowly missed the post.
Chelsea struggled to find an equalizer before halftime. Niamh Charles forced Misa into a diving save with a sharp left-side effort, but the Blues went into the break trailing 1-0.
Catarina Macario Turns the Game Around
Sonia Bompastor introduced Catarina Macario at halftime, and the forward made an instant impact. Just a minute into the second half, she found the back of the net, but her effort was ruled offside.
Macario continued to create chances, winning a penalty in the 51st minute. She confidently stepped up and slotted the ball home to level the score at 1-1. Five minutes later, Chelsea earned another penalty after Carmona handled the ball in the box. Once again, Macario converted the spot-kick, giving Chelsea a 2-1 lead.
The American forward now boasts three goals in her last two Champions League games, underlining her importance to Chelsea’s European campaign.
Madrid Push for an Equalizer
Real Madrid fought back valiantly. Sheila Garcia and Weir tested Chelsea’s defense, with Weir’s dangerous free-kick forcing Hampton into a crucial save. Madrid continued to threaten, but Chelsea’s defense, led by Hampton’s heroics, held firm.
On the counterattack, Chelsea almost extended their lead. Maika Hamno’s cross found Wieke Kaptein, who set up Aggie Beever-Jones, but her close-range effort was saved by Misa.
Madrid’s final opportunity came from a free-kick by Weir, but the shot sailed onto the roof of the net. Chelsea managed to hold on for a well-deserved victory.
Chelsea March Into the Quarter-Finals
Chelsea’s win capped off a flawless group stage campaign, with six wins in six matches. They’ll head into February’s quarter-final draw as one of the seeded teams.
The Blues now break for the winter and will return to action on January 12, starting their FA Cup campaign at home against Charlton Athletic.
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