Lyon 0-1 Chelsea: Blues get crucial European win at holders Lyon

Chelsea got here away with a vital victory over holders Lyon within the first leg of their Ladies’s Champions League quarter-final in France.

Eight-time champions Lyon managed many of the first half however had been punished for missed alternatives.

Chelsea’s Lauren James and Lyon’s Delphine Cascarino each hit the put up.

Having been knocked out by Lyon within the semi-finals in 2019, Chelsea arrived in France nicely conscious of the tough activity dealing with them of their pursuit of a final 4 spot.

Lyon, who’ve progressed from 12 of their 13 quarter-finals, imposed their dominance early on, creating a number of possibilities for striker Eugenie Le Sommer which she couldn’t convert.

Chelsea then demonstrated their ruthlessness in entrance of aim as Reiten’s curling shot – their first on the right track – nestled within the far nook, earlier than James rattled the put up shortly afterwards.

The sport opened up within the second half as Lyon pushed for an equaliser and Cascarino virtually supplied it when she struck the woodwork however Chelsea nonetheless posed a risk on the counter-attack.

Emma Hayes’ aspect have the benefit within the second leg at Stamford Bridge subsequent Thursday however there might be concern for key England centre-back Millie Vivid, who went off injured earlier than half-time and may have a scan on Thursday morning.

Moments of high quality resolve tight encounter

It was solely the fourth time this season the European champions had failed to search out the again of the web and Chelsea might be inspired by their stable defensive show within the second half.

They restricted possibilities and pissed off Lyon, having picked them off in opposition to the run of play within the first half to take a slender lead again to London.

“It’ll give the staff a whole lot of confidence. We appeared nervous within the first quarter-hour. I might see a scarcity of motion however as soon as we settled, we grew into the sport and bought extra confidence,” mentioned Hayes.

“The consequence and holding a clear sheet will give the staff [confidence]. We have now huge respect for Lyon. To win 1-0, I am glad, however we all know it is solely half-time so there’s issues to enhance on.”

England worldwide James confirmed her high quality when she powerfully struck the put up and arrange Sam Kerr for a wonderful likelihood in a while – the Australian was flagged offside when she fired over the bar however replays confirmed she was onside.

Nevertheless, it was Cuthbert’s endeavour to win the ball again which led to Chelsea’s essential winner and she or he nutmegged Damaris Egurrola earlier than laying it off completely for Reiten.

The sport was determined by a number of moments of high quality, which Lyon usually produce of their favour, and Chelsea nonetheless have a job on their palms to progress – however this can be a big consequence of their European historical past.

“I do not wish to underestimate how arduous it’s to come back right here in a quarter-final. It is intimidating and I feel we managed that actually nicely,” added Hayes.

“Strain conditions are moments that reveal your character, your knowledge, information and expertise. I felt the staff delivered these traits beneath stress.

“Should you construct consistency in your habits then on daily basis is a Champions League day. We have now turn into accustomed to the competitors and we performed with a smart head tonight.”

Lyon, who suffered a shocking 5-1 defeat against Arsenal in October, may very well be boosted by the return of star striker Ada Hegerberg for the second leg as she was an unused substitute in France following her return from a prolonged damage.