Chelsea Secures 2-0 Win Against Roma in Women’s Champions League Match
Chelsea’s impressive 2-0 triumph over Roma in the Women’s Champions League showcased their ability to secure victories in various styles. Last season, Sonia Bompastor’s squad faced disappointments, losing their Women’s Super League and FA Cup titles and exiting Europe at the quarter-final stage against rivals Arsenal. This slump was a stark contrast to a dream season in which the Blues achieved an unbeaten campaign and a domestic treble in Bompastor’s inaugural year in charge.
After previously winning six consecutive WSL titles, a dip in form was anticipated, and the team’s transition revealed challenges under their new French manager. However, optimism surrounds the current campaign, and while Bompastor acknowledged that the team needed time to adjust, Chelsea has made a strong start. They remain unbeaten across all competitions, share the top spot in the Women’s Super League with Manchester City after seven matches, and have recorded two wins and one draw in their opening three Champions League fixtures.
“I’m really pleased with the results for sure, but not only the results, I think the different performances,” expressed Bompastor earlier this week. “Right now, the way we are performing gives us a really good advantage and a big chance to win games.”
Chelsea’s 2-0 win against Roma on Wednesday was well-earned. They dominated the first half but missed multiple chances before substitute Ellie Carpenter finally scored the opening goal in the 51st minute. Defender Kadeisha Buchanan sealed the victory with a goal just before the final whistle. “I’m really pleased with the solid performances in terms of the defensive aspects. We have played three games and we haven’t conceded,” added Bompastor.
She emphasized the importance of having a solid foundation in competitions. “When you want to go far in competitions, it’s good to have this solid base. With the quality we have in the team, I’m confident we will always create opportunities.” Bompastor acknowledged that the Champions League presents a different level of challenge compared to the WSL, and she has effectively rotated her squad to manage the demands of both tournaments.
Chelsea appears to have addressed past defensive vulnerabilities and is executing a more clinical offensive strategy. Carpenter has emerged as a key player with four goals across various competitions, while England forward Lauren James continues her scintillating form. Furthermore, young midfielder Lexi Potter is forming a promising partnership with Lionesses star Keira Walsh.
The team presents a versatile threat by adapting between a back three and a back four, showcasing their ability to transition from a direct style of play aided by goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s distribution. Their victory over Roma exemplifies learning from past experiences. Bompastor remarked, “Even when we opened the competition against Austria Vienna, it was a tough game because they were brave and exposed us to some challenges. We found a way to win, but obviously we want to control every game as much as we can, no matter what competition it is.”
Bompastor rotated the team slightly for the recent matches, demonstrating their capability to impose their style and score in diverse ways.
Despite Manchester City’s impressive WSL title run last season, there were expectations that Chelsea would rebound. Bompastor, however, urges caution, emphasizing the ongoing adjustments that come after losing significant players like Sam Kerr, Millie Bright, and Guro Reiten. “You need to consider the fact that Chelsea had the same coach for 12 years. It takes a while for players to adjust to a new coach, a new way of playing and a philosophy,” she stated.
Captain Erin Cuthbert noted she wasn’t surprised by the team’s strong performances. “We had a good time to build in pre-season and a good trip away. The quality was always there; we just weren’t clicking,” she commented. “Manchester City ran away with the league in the end, but we were there or thereabouts. I feel this time the team’s just gone up another level.”
Alongside adjusting to Bompastor’s methods and bolstering their defensive game, the squad has also focused on enhancing the club’s culture. Cuthbert remarked about the “really good momentum and a good feeling” in the squad leading up to the recent win. Bompastor noted the importance of mental and cultural aspects, stating, “We probably needed to rebuild a little bit of that going into this new season. We reflected a lot on how we wanted to set up the process for that.”
Now, with a clear sense of direction and unity within the team, Chelsea is ready to tackle their next challenges.
