The champions of England didn't look back after the Lionesses' star's early goal, with Wieke Kaptein also on the scoresheet at Stamford Bridge
Watching Chelsea's 3-0 win over Celtic at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, it was hard to believe the English champions only just got past their Scottish opponents seven days prior. In Glasgow, Celtic actually took the lead against Sonia Bompastor's side and only lost 2-1, putting up a valiant effort despite being massive underdogs. The reverse fixture in the Champions League group stage was quite different though, as Chelsea eased to a victory that not only sent them through to the quarter-finals, but also knocked Celtic out of the competition.
There were just two minutes on the clock when the tone was set, as Lucy Bronze connected brilliantly with a Catarina Macario cross to break the deadlock with a volley that Celtic shot-stopper Kelsey Daugherty will know she should've kept out. Another well-worked corner produced the second goal of the day, too, as Guro Reiten this time provided the delivery and teenager Wieke Kaptein applied the headed finish. It was all capped off in stoppage time, when Bronze's cross struck a hand in the box and Eve Perisset added some late gloss to the scoreline from the penalty spot.
Chelsea by no means bombarded the Celtic goal in this game, but they didn't really need to. Dominating possession and restricting their opponents to very little, having already taken an early lead, the Blues did what was necessary to come out with all three points, secure their place in the knockout stages and maintain Bompastor's 100% start to life at the club – a perfect record that runs through 11 games now.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Zecira Musovic (6/10):
Had little to nothing to do. Reliable on the ball.
Lucy Bronze (8/10):
Got forward well and created chances. Great connection for the opening goal.
Maelys Mpome (6/10):
Performed well in her duels and kept the ball well, though was under little pressure throughout.
Millie Bright (6/10):
Near-flawless in possession and mopped up at the back where necessary, albeit, again, without being tested much.
Ashley Lawrence (7/10):
Supported the attack and battled well, winning all-but-one of her tackles.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Oriane Jean-Francois (7/10):
Another promising performance from a young midfielder whose future looks extremely bright.
Wieke Kaptein (7/10):
Capped a solid all-round display with a great header.
Sjoeke Nusken (7/10):
A really busy game from the midfielder, with her popping up in all departments to contribute. Movement was great.
Getty ImagesAttack
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (6/10):
Not as dangerous in attack as she usually is, though wasn't for a lack of effort. Still had some moments.
Catarina Macario (7/10):
Held the ball up well and provided a pinpoint assist, but didn't receive much service in 45 minutes which will be important to rebuild her fitness after injuries.
Guro Reiten (7/10):
Brought plenty of positive energy out wide and delivered a great ball for Kaptein's header.
Subs & Manager
Mayra Ramirez (7/10):
Replaced Macario at half-time and instantly set about making her presence felt, showing real directness whenever she got the ball and a knack for creating something out of nothing.
Erin Cuthbert (6/10):
Came on just before the hour and kept things ticking over nicely in midfield, without stealing the show.
Eve Perisset (6/10):
Slotted in nicely at left-back for the final 20 minutes, allowing Lawrence to push on even more. Cool as ice from the penalty spot.
Lola Brown (N/A):
Days after signing her first professional contract, the 17-year-old made a memorable Chelsea debut in the final few minutes.
Julia Bartel (N/A):
Also on for the final five minutes on so, replacing Nusken.
Sonia Bompastor (8/10):
Put out a well-judged XI which gave plenty of fresh faces a chance to impress, but avoided over-rotation and kept some balance and consistency. The calm nature of the team performance showed how correct her decisions were, especially after last week's nervy win.
