Chelsea Women started their Women’s Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Austria Wien at Plough Lane, thanks to a stunning goal from Wieke Kaptein. The Blues were given a stern test by their visitors and will be concerned about an injury to Keira Walsh ahead of Sunday’s WSL game with Arsenal.
Kaptein’s strike came early and set the tone for a nervy afternoon. Chelsea took the lead in spectacular fashion after 12 minutes, when Sandy Baltimore’s run was ended by a well-timed sliding tackle. The ball spun loose 25 yards from goal, and Kaptein collected it. She took a touch and hammered it in off the bar, giving Chelsea the advantage they would hold until full time.
The Early Goal That Set the Pattern
Kaptein’s goal was the highlight of a chaotic opening period. Baltimore’s run was ended by a sliding tackle, and the ball fell to Kaptein, who struck it in off the bar from distance. The goal gave Chelsea the lead they would never fully shake off.
The home side were living dangerously soon after, though. Goalkeeper Livia Peng fumbled a shot from a short corner routine, palming the ball back out into danger. From where Virginia Kirchberger hoisted it over the bar, narrowly clearing the danger.
Walsh’s Injury Cast a Shadow
Chelsea were dealt a blow 20 minutes into the game when Keira Walsh was forced off injured. Potter came on to replace her, and the enforced substitution added to the tension already building in the match.
Walsh’s departure left Chelsea thinner in midfield, and the team had to dig in to protect their slender lead. The injury will be a worry for the Blues ahead of Sunday’s WSL game at home to Arsenal.
Schoffel Almost Equalises
Austria Wien came closest to an equaliser when Louise Schoffel danced her way through Chelsea’s defence and hit a low shot that flashed inches wide of the post. The move was sublime in execution, but the finishing was just off target.
The near-miss will have given Chelsea’s defenders a moment of relief, even if the quality of the move was undeniable. Chelsea’s defence had to be alert throughout, and the home side were never fully comfortable against the Austrian side.
Uka’s Post Miss
Chelsea’s number looked to be up when Kosovan forward Modesta Uka went through and hit the post. Her shot came from the corner of the area, and it crashed into the woodwork before going behind.
The move was a sharp counter-attack from Austria Wien, and the ball dropped for Uka to shoot. The post denied her the goal, and Chelsea held on for a nervy win.
The Key Moments of the Day
The game’s key moments came thick and fast, and each one tested Chelsea’s resolve. The sequence included:
- A SAVE
- A GOAL
- An OVER
- A POST
- A SAVE
with the closest calls falling to Malard, Pfanner, Kirchberger, Schoffel, Peng and Uka.
Nusken’s Free Hit Miss
Nusken’s number looked to be up when Sjoeke Nusken should have settled the match and her manager’s nerves with a free hit 10 yards out. Instead, she wastefully thumped it into the supporters behind the goal from Carpenter’s cross.
The move was a chance to kill the game off, and Nusken’s poor finish meant Chelsea had to wait until the final whistle for confirmation of the win. The home side were living dangerously for long spells, and the match could easily have gone the other way.
The Win Was Hard Won
Chelsea’s 1-0 win was a hard-fought result, and the scoreline flattered the Blues at times. Austria Wien created chances throughout, and Chelsea had to rely on their goalkeeper and defensive organisation to see the game out.
Kaptein’s goal was the difference, but it was far from a comfortable afternoon for the home side. The result gives Chelsea a win in their opening fixture.
Chelsea will take the win and look to build on this result in their next fixture. The victory sets up a significant clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
Source material: “Kaptein scores winner as Chelsea earn narrow victory over Austria Wien,” Sky Sports.
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