Chelsea Comeback Seals Top Spot in Women Champions League Group: Real Madrid 1-2 Chelsea
Match Report – Real Madrid Women vs. Chelsea Women (Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, Tuesday Night)
Chelsea Women ended 2024 on a high, claiming a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Women’s Champions League to finish Group B with a perfect record. Two second-half penalties from Catarina Macario ensured the Blues secured all three points, extending their 100% campaign to a full 18 points.
Early Struggles, Late Heroics
The match began with a strong start for Real Madrid, who were determined to finish top of the group. Despite Chelsea’s dominance throughout the group stage, the hosts knew they needed a win to claim first place, and they made an ideal start.
RelatedPosts
Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, making her first Champions League appearance of the season, misjudged Caroline Weir’s shot in the 8th minute. The ball rebounded off her and into the net, giving Real Madrid an early 1-0 lead.
Chelsea looked to respond quickly. Guro Reiten forced a fantastic save from Real Madrid keeper Misa RodrÃguez, while Olga Carmona narrowly missed the target for the hosts. As the first half progressed, both teams had opportunities, but Real Madrid remained ahead at the break.
Macario’s Magic: Two Penalties, Two Goals
Chelsea came out for the second half with renewed intensity, and the game quickly turned in their favor. Real Madrid captain Olga Carmona had a nightmare start to the period, conceding two penalties in quick succession within the first 10 minutes that ultimately sealed her side’s fate.
The first penalty came in the 51st minute when Carmona tripped substitute Catarina Macario inside the box. The American forward calmly sent her penalty high into the net, sending RodrÃguez the wrong way to level the score at 1-1.
💥 Catarina Macario came on at half-time, got a penalty and converted it to bring Chelsea level in Madrid. All that only in her first 5 minutes!
— DAZN Women's Football (@DAZNWFootball) December 17, 2024
Watch live for free on DAZN ▶️ https://t.co/dIfKpURfZv #UWCLonDAZN #UWCL pic.twitter.com/7WYDev9fJI
Just five minutes later, Carmona was penalized for a harsh handball. With no VAR to review the decision, the referee awarded another penalty, and Macario confidently scored once again, placing the ball almost identically to her first attempt, giving Chelsea a 2-1 lead.
Real Madrid’s Late Push
Despite Chelsea’s two goals, Real Madrid showed resilience and created plenty of chances in the latter stages. Naomie Feller had the best opportunity for the hosts, but her shot flashed past the far post. Ultimately, Real Madrid was unable to find an equalizer, as Chelsea held on to take the three points and secure their place as Group B winners.
Real Madrid finished second in the group with 12 points, while Chelsea sealed top spot with a perfect 18-point haul.
Also, read: What the New Super League Proposal Means for Arsenal, Chelsea, and Spurs
Reactions from the Managers
Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea Manager): “We weren’t happy with our performance in the first half. At half-time, we told ourselves we had nothing to lose and that our mentality was key. Macario is world-class, and she changed the game with those two penalties. Her confidence was vital for the win.”
Alberto Toril (Real Madrid Manager): “Those 10 minutes of conceding penalties really cost us. Chelsea are a great team, but we finished the game well, creating chances. Despite the loss, our overall performance in the group stage has been positive, and we’re excited for the quarter-finals.”
Caroline Weir (Real Madrid Midfielder): “It was tough to maintain the intensity of the first half, but we still created plenty of chances. Chelsea are a strong team, and we just couldn’t take our opportunities. It was an intense and entertaining game.”
Celtic’s Disappointing End to Group B Campaign
In other Group B action, Celtic’s first-ever Women’s Champions League campaign ended in disappointment. The Scottish side fell to a 3-0 defeat against Twente, finishing bottom of the group without a point. Twente secured third place with six points after a dominant display, which included two own goals by Celtic players Lisa Rodgers and Natalie Ross.
Looking Ahead
With Chelsea’s impressive performance and perfect group-stage record, they now turn their attention to the quarter-finals, where they will face even tougher competition hoping to build on their consistency in the knockout rounds.
¡VAMOSSSSSSSSS! 🎉#UWCL pic.twitter.com/BEgtVo6wOI
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) December 17, 2024
Chelsea Comeback Seals Top Spot in Women Champions League Group: Real Madrid 1-2 Chelsea
