Chelsea Women: 3 takeaways from a historic UWCL triumph over Lyon

This was the biggest win in the history of the club

Those full-time scenes were something else. There has been plenty of unforgettable matches since Hayes took the reins of the team, but this one has to take the cake. It could be recency basis, but it was Lyon in the Champions League in west London. It does not get much better than that. March 19, 2019 in Paris comes to mind along with the Conti Cup final win in 2020. Given the opponent and the way in which this group did it puts this contest on the top of the list.

Lyon have been the bar for so many seasons in Europe. It was a true roller coaster ride of emotions for Blues fans. Deflation quickly turned to elation as Hayes’ side found a way to punch back at a side that turned the tie on its head. They did this all without Bright in the center of the defense.

Behind a packed crowd at the Bridge that included both Graham Potter and Reece James, the Chels laid left everything on the pitch. There is something about the Bridge in the Champions League for the men’s and women’s sides this season. From AC Milan to Dortmund to now the women’s headline win over Lyon, the magic in west London on European nights has been something special.

That atmosphere at a women’s football match was exceptional. For years, Lyon has stood at the top of the hill of European football. Losing out in the group stage in the previous campaign made this result that much sweeter. While Bompastor’s side will be back, Chelsea Women finally managed to edge a side that has finished second more better in 10 out of the last 13 Champions League seasons.