Chelsea 2-2 Real Madrid: 3 takeaways from contentious draw

1. Just one substitution was an interesting move by Chelsea’s Emma Hayes

When the Blues were pushing for a winner following a penalty in the 79′, you probably thought Hayes would turn to some fresh legs. Instead, the future USWNT coach stayed put. It should have been rewarded with a third goal, but since it didn’t count, this has to be a topic of discussion.

With assets like Jelena Cankovic, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Mia Fishel, there were plenty of difference-makers that could have been brought on. In 2022 against this same side, Hayes made three changes during both matches. She may have been thinking ahead to the quick turnaround with Liverpool on Saturday. That does not sound like the Blues’ manager though.

Beever-Jones has made a massive impression off the bench as of late. Why not throw her up there and give Kerr some rest for the final 10 minutes? There was a lot of players that were battling heavy legs under the Madrid lights. One of them being Jessie Fleming, who’s tackle resulted in the RMA equalizer. Due to the lack of rest in the mid-week for the usual starters, expect a rotated side in the SW6 this weekend.

Chelsea Women travel back to England for a match at Stamford Bridge against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon. Tickets can be found on the club’s website.