Chelsea Edges Real Madrid in Thrilling Women's Champions League Clash, Lyon Cruises Past Galatasaray

Chelsea began their quest for Women's Champions League glory with a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday, while eight-time champions Lyon made light work of newcomers Galatasaray with a 3-0 win.

Sjoeke Nüsken and Guro Reiten gave Chelsea a strong start at Stamford Bridge, but Madrid's Alba Redondo clawed one back before halftime. Mayra Ramírez restored Chelsea's two-goal lead in the second half, but Linda Caicedo's late strike set up a tense finish.

Chelsea's early breakthrough came in the second minute when Johanna Rytting Kaneryd's cross deflected off Madrid's Sheila Garcia, falling kindly for Nüsken, who nodded it into the net. Reiten doubled the English champions' lead with a penalty after Maria Mendez fouled Nüsken in the box.

Madrid responded in the 39th minute as Olga Carmona's wing play led to Redondo calmly slotting home. Chelsea regained control eight minutes into the second half with a Ramírez header, but Caicedo's 84th-minute goal gave Real hope of a comeback, which ultimately fell short.

READ ALSO: WSL: Chelsea go top of WSL with a 7-0 thumping of Crystal Palace

In Group B’s other game, Twente beat Celtic 2-0 in Glasgow, with Kayleigh van Dooren netting twice to secure victory for the Dutch side.

Elsewhere, Lyon comfortably defeated Galatasaray 3-0 at home, with Kadidiatou Diani scoring twice and Vanessa Gilles also on target. All three goals came from headers, as Tabitha Chawinga provided assists for the first two.

Lyon defender Gilles praised the effort of their opponents, saying, "They displayed considerable determination, and it is never easy to counter that. But that's football and the Champions League, and we’re pleased to have secured the win."

In Rome, a 14th-minute penalty from captain Manuela Giugliano earned Roma a 1-0 win over two-time champions Wolfsburg, placing them second in Group A behind Lyon.

On Wednesday, Arsenal will take on Bayern Munich, while reigning Champions League holders Barcelona begin their title defense against Manchester City.