The Blues Respond in Style with Resounding Win over Roma
Defender Millie Bright had dismissed suggestions of a crisis in the wake of a end of an unbeaten run, and a dominant six-goal triumph in their penultimate Champions League group game put those thoughts to bed.
Fortuitous Start Breaks the Deadlock
An unfortunate deflection from a Roma defender opened the scoring of Roma early on, with further goals scored by Sjoeke Nüsken, Maika Hamano.
Lyon’s 3-0 defeat and Atlético Madrid’s shared points ensured Chelsea climbing to third place, one game away from automatic progression to the European quarter-finals.
Squad Rotation and a Bright Start
Back in the XI since last month, Bright was one of several alterations to the side that fell to Everton at the weekend.
At their home ground, Chelsea began with intent. An early effort from Sandy Baltimore flew past the post in the second minute.
Despite a disappointing Champions League campaign, Roma showed early signs to make a statement, with Rinsola Babajide looking effective.
Momentum Swings
The early setback was a significant moment for the Serie A side. The tide turned decisively Chelsea's way, and it was two goals up before the half-hour, with a precise finish converting after a clever dummy from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.
A deserved lead was increased just prior to halftime, the Swede reacting fastest after the keeper had saved an initial effort.
Ruthless Second Half
After the restart, a VAR-awarded foul was scored by the German to make it four-nil.
The team showed no mercy in their search for more goals, with the recent defeat perhaps providing motivation.
- A young midfielder went near to scoring on her latest outing, forcing a smart reaction from the Roma keeper.
- The fifth goal came after a driving run exploited a disorganized defense.
- The Lucy Bronze special was a sweeping ball from the England international that flew in at the far post.
Quarter-Finals in Sight
Following the win and other results going their way, Chelsea took charge of their destiny to secure a knockout stage spot.
A last fixture away to European giants Wolfsburg is the only thing standing between Chelsea and an playoff-free route to the last eight.
