Erin Cuthbert’s second-half brace helped Chelsea take management of Group D within the Champions League with a 3-1 win at Hacken.
The 2 groups had performed out a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge final week, which left the Swedish outfit prime after three matches, however Emma Hayes’ aspect had been capable of end 2023 with a vital victory.
Sam Kerr broke the impasse together with her ninth objective of the marketing campaign and, whereas Clarissa Larisey scored for Hacken to make sure it was 1-1 at half-time, Cuthbert netted twice within the area of 12 minutes after the break.
It ensured the Girls’s Tremendous League champions moved into prime spot of the group after 4 matches and maintain a one-point benefit over Hacken whereas Actual Madrid, who they are going to host on January 24, are now not capable of qualify for the knockout stage following a 1-0 loss to third-placed Paris.
Hayes had warned her gamers there have been no excuses regardless of this being their fourth match in 10 days however they practically conceded early on at Bravida Area.
Solely 4 minutes had been on the clock when Anna Anvegard hit the crossbar after Larisey’s cross, however Chelsea regrouped and a Lauren James curled effort signalled their intentions.
Whereas Hacken goalkeeper Jennifer Falk was equal to James’ 20-yard strike, she had no reply to the prolific Kerr minutes later.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was the architect of the opener after she outmuscled Elma Junttila-Nelhage on the precise earlier than she in the reduction of for Kerr, who fired into the roof of the web from shut vary within the 14th-minute.
It was a much-needed opener for the WSL champions, however they had been caught out with 26 minutes on the clock by a slick counter-attack.
Jusu Bah confirmed nice velocity out broad and crossed in from the left the place Larisey powered residence a header.
Chelsea may have retaken the lead earlier than half-time, however Falk pushed broad a agency strike by Sophie Ingle.
It was a special story after the break with Anvegard firing towards the woodwork once more for the hosts after linking up with Larisey, which proved a vital second within the group fixture.
Minutes later and Hayes’ staff had been again in entrance when Rytting Kaneryd’s cross was cleared to Ingle, who confirmed her composure to select Cuthbert and the Scotland worldwide rifled into the underside nook to make it 2-1 after 52 minutes.
It was Cuthbert’s first objective on this season’s Champions League however she doubled her tally once more with 64 minutes performed.
Kerr’s sensible move despatched Cuthbert away and after she fooled Filippa Curmark with a faux shot, the midfielder’s low effort was too highly effective for Falk.
Hacken pushed for a response and substitute Molly Johansson discovered the web in stoppage-time, however it was dominated out for offside and Chelsea earned a vital three factors.
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