Chelsea maintained their 100 per cent record in the Champions League this season with a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid at Kingsmeadow.
Goals from Sophie Ingle and Erin Cuthbert made the difference in the second-half, just as it looked as if Real were starting to create chances. But Chelsea were the better side for most of the contest, albeit lacking a cutting edge until Ingle headed in from point-blank range after Millie Bright nodded on Cuthbert’s corner.
The Blues claimed a third straight win in Group A taking them to the verge of the last eight, something they failed to do in this competition last season. Here are the player ratings from an important win over the Spanish giants.
Ann-Katrin Berger - Solid performance between the sticks. Wasn’t truly tested in the first half but always cool and calm on dangerous crosses. Made a couple of saves after the break. 7
Niamh Charles - Gave Chelsea real width with some adventurous runs into the final third, solid as ever defensively. Should have scored in the closing minutes when played in by Lauren James. 7
Kadeisha Buchanan - Looked composed on the ball. Refused to be dragged out of position by Real’s fluent front three. 6
Mille Bright - Kept the dangerous Esther Gonzalez quiet with a strong performance at the back. Kept it simple on the ball. Played a big part in the crucial first goal. 7
Magdalena Eriksson - A captain's display from the Swedish full-back. Constantly helping out the attack but also stopping Real from finding their flow down the right channel. 8
Erin Cuthbert - The difference between the two teams? Quite possibly. An impressive second 45 from the Scot, albeit her goal came from an intended cross. 8
Sophie Ingle - At times looked like she was struggling with the pace of the game in the first-half but answered any doubts with a composed display once Chelsea took control. Scored the crucial first goal. 8
Guro Reiten - A solid if unspectacular display from Reiten. Didn’t hurt the Real backline, but was always willing to track back and muck in defensively. 6
Fran Kirby - Very nearly gave Chelsea the dream start only to be denied by a good save from Misa in the Madrid goal. A good display. 7
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd - Failed to find any space around the penalty area, but never stopped trying to create. Efforts were appreciated by the crowd when replaced by Lauren James. 6
Sam Kerr - A rare quiet night from the Aussie star. Real defenders were clearly well briefed on staying close to her, didn’t have any time on the ball. 6
Substitutes; Lauren James - 7, Jessie Fleming - 5.
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