Chelsea Respond in Style with Six-Goal Victory over AS Roma
Millie Bright had rejected talk of a dip after a initial WSL loss, and a dominant half-dozen goal victory in their penultimate Champions League group game was the perfect response.
Deflected Opener Sets the Tone
An unfortunate deflection from the visiting captain broke the fight of Roma in the 13th minute, with further goals scored by Sjoeke Nüsken, Maika Hamano.
Other results 3-0 defeat and Atlético Madrid’s shared points resulted in Chelsea climbing to third place, within touching distance of automatic progression to the UCL quarter-finals.
Fresh Legs and a Early Pressure
Making her first appearance since last month, Bright was one of multiple rotations to the side that fell to Everton days earlier.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea started brightly. An early effort from the French forward flew past the post in the opening minutes.
Despite a disappointing Champions League campaign, Roma attempted to cause problems, with their right side looking dangerous.
Momentum Swings
The own goal was a hammer blow for the visiting team. Momentum swung decisively Chelsea's way, and it was two goals up before the half-hour, with the young midfielder converting after a clever dummy from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.
A merited advantage was increased right on halftime, the goalscorer turning in after the goalkeeper had kept out an close-range attempt.
Adding to the Tally
After the restart, a spot-kick was dispatched by the German to make it four-nil.
The team were ruthless in their search for more goals, with the Everton loss perhaps lighting a fire.
- The 19-year-old went near to scoring on her promising cameo, forcing a smart reaction from the Roma keeper.
- The Maika Hamano's effort came after a driving run exposed a stretched rearguard.
- The Lucy Bronze special was a delivery from the veteran defender that flew in at the back stick.
Quarter-Finals in Sight
Following the win and events elsewhere going their way, Chelsea gained control of their destiny to secure a quarter-final berth.
A final match away to two-time Champions League winners Wolfsburg will determine Chelsea and an playoff-free route to the last eight.
