Chelsea edge Real Madrid to clinch Women’s Champions League Group B Top Spot
Chelsea sealed their dominance in the Women’s Champions League group stage with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday, thanks to two clinical penalties from substitute Catarina Macario. The win ensures the English champions finish as Group B winners, maintaining their impressive streak of nine consecutive group-stage victories in the competition.
The match at Madrid’s Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium began brightly for the hosts, who took an early lead through Caroline Weir. In the seventh minute, the Scottish forward capitalized on a defensive lapse, delicately lifting her shot past Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger to give Real Madrid a 1-0 advantage.
Chelsea, uncharacteristically sluggish in the first half, entered the break trailing and facing the prospect of losing their grip on top spot. Manager Sonia Bompastor wasted no time, bringing on Macario at half-time to inject urgency into the attack.
“We were not happy with our performance in the first half,” Bompastor admitted. “We needed to reset and show our strength. The players responded brilliantly, and our mentality carried us through.”
Macario’s impact was immediate. The 25-year-old forward, renowned for her composure and precision, stepped up to convert two penalties within a span of five minutes. The first came in the 50th minute after Real captain Olga Carmona brought down Macario in the box. Calm under pressure, the Chelsea star sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the score.
Just six minutes later, Carmona was again at the center of controversy when her handball in the area led to a second spot-kick. Macario, unflustered, slotted home with precision to complete Chelsea’s comeback and silence the home crowd.
“Catarina is a world-class talent,” Bompastor praised. “She completely changed the game. Her confidence and composure in such critical moments are what make her exceptional.”
Real Madrid, who had briefly entertained hopes of winning the group based on goal difference, could not recover from the swift double setback. Despite pressing for an equalizer, Chelsea’s defense held firm to secure the victory.
The result cements Chelsea’s place as group leaders, finishing six points clear of Real Madrid. It also highlights the Blues’ remarkable consistency in the Women’s Champions League, where they have now won nine consecutive group matches dating back to last season.
In the group’s other fixture, Twente ensured Celtic endured a winless campaign, defeating the Scottish side 3-0 in Enschede.
Meanwhile, later in the evening, eight-time champions Lyon faced off against Wolfsburg, with the French giants already assured of topping Group A.
Chelsea’s triumph in Madrid underscores their status as serious contenders for this season’s title as they advance confidently into the knockout stages.
SportsLigue