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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 12 games now.
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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.
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Getty 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.
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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.
