Chelsea Women got the job done against Austria Vienna, and did it in exactly the manner you'd expect from a side that has bigger targets in mind this season, and a bigger game at the weekend.
It was billed as a David versus Goliath clash given the gulf in budget and quality between the two sides, but a win is a win and Chelsea have made a positive start to their Champions League campaign.
The 1-0 victory in their opener was far from spectacular, but it was efficient. It was the kind of professional, low-drama performance that suggests a team quietly finding its rhythm rather than relying on individual moments to paper over the cracks.
It was Wieke Kaptein’s 11th-minute strike, a rising effort from 25 yards after pouncing on a loose ball, proved enough to separate the two sides on the night. It was a superb finish, although the goal perhaps outshone a largely controlled Chelsea performance.
The Blues remained compact and solid throughout, with the ÖFB Frauen-Bundesliga side struggling to create clear openings. The few chances of note for Virginia Kirchberger’s side largely came from mistakes or loose balls gifted by the Chelsea defence and goalkeeper.
Striker Melvine Malard, who joined from Manchester United recently, came close to doubling the lead with two good efforts, while winger Alyssa Thompson also fired narrowly wide late in the first half. Sjoeke Nusken had the best chance of the second half but fluffed her lines, while the Austrians hit the post late on to make it nervy at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
Sonia Bompastor made three changes from the weekend victory over Birmingham, rotating her squad and resting key players ahead of Sunday’s league clash with Arsenal. Despite the changes, Chelsea still got the job done without needing to shift into second gear.
It was another example of the strength in depth within Bompastor’s squad, allowing her to manage a demanding schedule without a significant drop-off in performance. That could prove particularly valuable as the season progresses, with league, cup and European commitments all competing for attention.
The only concern from the game was Keira Walsh being forced off with an injury in the first half. There has been no update yet on the midfielder’s condition or whether she will be fit to feature in Sunday’s important clash with Arsenal.
All in all, a very good night for Chelsea as they go into winning that elusive trophy with a positive win.
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