Three wins for the three English sides in the Women's Champions League
It has been a successful week in Europe for three sides in the WSL
Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all picked up three points in the Champions League
Author | Josh T
Let's have a closer look at how they all performed.
Chelsea 4 - 0 Paris FC
Chelsea produced a dominant display to claim a convincing victory, with four different players on the scoresheet in a commanding performance from the Women’s Super League champions. Sonia Bompastor’s side were gifted the opening goal when Sjoeke Nusken was fouled in the box following a VAR review, allowing Sandy Baltimore to calmly slot home from the penalty spot.
Paris struggled to settle after the early setback, and Chelsea capitalised on their uncertainty. Erin Cuthbert won possession in midfield and fed winger Thompson, whose precise cross found Johanna Rytting Kaneryd to head past Mylène Chavas, doubling the Blues’ advantage. The hosts’ control and tempo left Paris chasing shadows for much of the half.
Barely 90 seconds after the restart, 20-year-old American forward Thompson got on the scoresheet herself, finishing smartly at the back post from Keira Walsh’s drilled delivery. Paris offered little in response, and Chelsea’s superiority was underlined when a corner from Baltimore caused chaos in the box, allowing Cuthbert to bundle in from close range to complete a comprehensive win.
Atlético Madrid 0 - 1 Manchester United
Fridolina Rolfö’s first goal for United proved decisive as they edged past Atlético Madrid in a hard-fought encounter. The Swedish international, a summer signing from Barcelona, struck in the 24th minute to give United their second win from two matches in the league phase.
Manchester United’s hopes were dealt a major blow just before half-time when Dominique Janssen was shown a red card after a VAR review upgraded her yellow for a challenge on Gio Garbelini, who was stretchered off. Atlético pressed hard with their numerical advantage, forcing Phallon Tullis-Joyce into a sharp save and dominating after the break, but their momentum was halted in the 74th minute when Alexia Fernández was dismissed for a second yellow following a foul on Leah Galton.
Skinner’s side held firm to secure the win and underline their growing resilience in Europe. The defeat leaves Atlético on three points from their opening two fixtures in the group.
Benfica 0 - 2 Arsenal
Arsenal secured their first win of the Women’s Champions League league phase as second-half goals from Beth Mead and Alessia Russo earned victory at Benfica.
Returning to the city where they lifted their second European crown in May, Arsenal endured a frustrating first half with little to cheer before Mead broke the deadlock just before the hour mark.
Still searching for a cushion, the Arsenal turned to Stina Blackstenius and Chloe Kelly, hoping to add energy and precision in attack. The changes paid off late on when Russo settled the contest in the 89th minute, reacting sharply to a loose ball in the box and driving her finish into the bottom corner.
