Chelsea Women: 3 takeaways from massive UWCL win over Lyon

Behind a brilliant finish by Guro Reiten, Emma Hayes’ Chelsea Women walked into Groupama Stadium and took down the current Champions League holders in the first leg of the quarterfinals.

Like Emma Hayes said post match, the job is half done. After seven games in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Chelsea Women are still unbeaten. Just a few months ago, the Blues began their campaign in Europe in France’s capital, and now they begin their quest toward a semifinal just 290 miles south.

It is clear the path Emma Hayes’ side has to take in order to reach their second-ever Champions League final. With the support of nearly everyone on the team, the west London side took the defending Champions League winners head on. It was a scrappy game for the most part, but after the Blues settled into the match, the Norwegian superstar struck with her weaker foot. Erin Cuthbert did not participate in any of the last three games. Despite the fact that it was obvious as she walked off that she was still recovering from a tight hamstring, the Scottish midfielder battled through it.

Erin Cuthbert’s persistence leads to a sensational finish on the Norwegian’s superstar weaker foot.

The current leaders in France’s top-flight were limited to just two shots on target. From timely clearances to prolific tackles, the Blues’ back four was locked in to the gameplan. Delphine Cascarino and Eugenie Le Sommer are top-class attackers, and with a short turnaround, the Blues were able to prevent any real threat at Ann-Katrin Berger. Many of Lyon’s largest chances came due to self-inflicting errors, and with Ada Hegerberg more than likely back for the second leg, that has to be cleaned up. Jess Carter

Sure, it is only the first part of what needs to be done in order for the Blues to advance, but a win at the home of the Champions League holders boosts the confidence of everyone at the club. Hayes’ squad is hardly complacent. They know what lies ahead. This may be one of the biggest wins in the history of the football club, but it will mean nothing if the west Londoners fall flat on March 30 under the lights at Stamford Bridge. Reiten’s roar after her goal tells the whole story. This win means a lot.

This club knew how close it was back in 2019, but now, this squad is geared up to contend for the title. Hayes’ team is not intimidated by anyone. While winning domestic titles is something this group takes pride in, this win once again proves to everyone that this could be the year they are crowned the rulers of Europe.

3 takeaways from one of the most memorable nights for the Blues this season.