KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Lauren James of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Sam … [+]
Defeated in the first Champions League group stage match against BK Häcken (1-2), Paris FC followed up with a new defeat against Chelsea carried by Samantha Kerr’s hat-trick, this Thursday evening at Stamford Bridge (4- 1).
Paris FC entered the match with ambition this Thursday evening, at Stamford Bridge, against Chelsea, but fell too hard.
A week after their setback against the Swedes of Häcken (1-2), the players coached by Sandrine Soubeyrand were able to put the locals under pressure in the first minutes, controlling the match’s tempo and pressing high.
Shortly before the quarter of an hour of play, Bourdieu stood out with a shot following a good high recovery from the visitors (13’) and, subsequently, on two occasions, Chelsea raised the cursor but James found in front of her a good defense (21’) and missed the target in front of Nnadozie after a poor recovery from the Parisiennes (23’).
However, following a superb cross sent by James, Sam Kerr managed to deceive Nnadozie with a subtle deflection to open the scoring in favor of Chelsea (1-0, 30’).
Paris FC did not let themselves be demoralized and, in the process, reacted with Greboval’s equalizer, via an unstoppable lofted header from a corner (1-1, 38’).
At the break, the score seemed logical between the two teams in a fast-paced meeting.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Chelsea stand together for a team group during the UEFA Women’s … [+]
Upon returning from the locker room, Chelsea regained the upper hand quickly, with a double from Sam Kerr, who was at the finish line of an impressive collective action from the locals (2-1, 48’).
Further back in the following minutes, the Paris FC players were punished a third time by the Australian striker. She lobbed Nnadozie, completing her hattrick (3-1, 56’).
Little to their advantage, the Parisiennes missed the opportunity to come back to the score when barely entering the game, Louise Fleury lacked skill in the area (64’).
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Clara Mateo of Paris F.C in action during the UEFA Women’s Champions … [+]
Sam Kerr, following a counter, missed the quadruplet by very little (67’) but this had no consequence on Chelsea’s match outcome who were a little too strong for Paris FC, with another goal finally scored by Sophie Ingle (4-1, 92’).
Post-Match Interviews
Emma Hayes, who was announced recently as the new USWNT head coach, was entertained by her forward’s performance but surely not surprised. “I knew it was coming tonight. I said it before the game.”
Hayes continued praising her captain, “I could see it happening for her tonight and we gave her service in the right moments, she took her chances, and that’s why she’s the best. I don’t know anyone who puts the ball away like she does.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Emma Hayes, Manager of Chelsea celebrates following her team’s … [+]
On the other side, Paris FC’s head coach, Sandrine Soubeyrand was disappointed, “The objective was to play, not to wait, to be able to offer some play. In return, we conceded a few chances. At 1-1 we had the opportunity to score the second and didn’t.”
The former French international knew that “the difference was made in offensive efficiency,” but made sure to praise her team “we’re playing against one of the best teams in Europe and we were able to produce some play, so it’s encouraging. What I like about my team is the state of mind, what they exude. We have to be positive: we are small compared to Chelsea. I don’t know if Chelsea knew who Paris FC was”
Match Highlights
32’ – GOAL! Sam Kerr opens the scoring for Chelsea, flicking a shot beyond the keeper and finishing Lauren James’ angled cross. 1-0!
39’ – GOAL! Paris FC equalizes! Greboval flies and nets the ball home. The Frenchwoman rose higher than her marker and sent a terrific header beyond Jess Carter on the line. 1-1!
49’ – GOAL! It’s Sam Kerr again! Chelsea is in front yet again. The Australian captain was in the right place to net Kaneryd’s cross home after great work from Kirby in the build-up. 2-1!
56’ – GOAL! Hat-trick hero! A long ball forward is snatched onto by Kerr, who bursts forward with the two covering defenders chasing her down. The Australian sees the goalkeeper high in the 16-yard box, so she opts for a chip from range. Nnadozie fails to save the ball. 3-1!
90’ – GOAL! And then they were 4. A corner is played low, in the direction of an unmarked Sophie Ingle’s. The Welsh defender tries her luck with a volley. 4-1.
Numbers Talk
Chelsea’s group-stage record in the WCL is 9 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss in 14 matches.
Sam Kerr has now scored 16 goals in 26 Champions League appearances for Chelsea.
Sam Kerr’s third against Paris FC is Chelsea’s 900 goal under manager Emma Hayes.
What Happened Elsewhere?
Group A
Barcelona is topping group A with 2 wins and 6 points, Frankfurt and Benfica both have 3 points, and Rosengard is last with 0 points after two defeats.
Group B
Following their 2-0 win against St. Polten, Lyon is leading Group B with 6 points. Surprisingly, SK Brann is second with 6 points too. St. Polten and Slavia Prague are yet to grab their first points in the group.
Group C
TRE FONTANE STADIUM , ROME, ITALY – 2023/11/23: Camelia Ceasar, Elena Linari and Moeka Minami of AS … [+]
In group C, Roma stayed on top of the group after defeating Ajax 3-0. PSG were helpless against Bayern Munich and endured their second loss in the group stage.
Roma is currently first with 4 points, Bayern trailing behind on goal difference. Ajax has 3 points while PSG is pointless.
Group D
In the other match of the group D, Häcken overcame Real Madrid (2-1).
The Parisiennes will have a very important double confrontation against Los Merengues (December 14 and 20) given that they occupy, with 0 points, the last position of the group.
Häcken is leading group D with 6 points, Chelsea has 4 points, Real Madrid have 1 point after their draw in the first group stage match against Chelsea, and Paris FC is last with no points.