Women’s Super League 1 champions Chelsea Ladies gave no quarter to Glasgow City with a comprehensive 3-0 victory in Scotland yesterday evening. Having gone into the match with just the one goal advantage it was all to play for, but Glasgow were no match for the Chelsea attack.
Photo by Gino D’Andrea
Emma Hayes made two changes to the side that face Glasgow in the first leg at home, with captain Katie Chapman and Ana Borges replacing Drew Spence and Claire Rafferty. Borges at left-back, joining Niamh Fahey, Flaherty and Hannah Blundell in a back four in front of Hedvig Lindahl in goal.
Chapman partnered Millie Bright in central midfield, while Gemma Davison, Ji So-Yun and Aluko provided support for striker Fran Kirby.
Glasgow City named an unchanged side.
After a couple of chances to either side the English champions broke the deadlock after 22 minutes. Ji initiated the attack with a lovely pass in midfield before Aluko picked the ball up on the left side of the 18-yard box, floated along the edge of the area and rifled her finish into the top corner beyond the despairing dive of Alexander.
Fran Kirby extended the Londoners’ advantage with another brilliant finish 12 minutes into the second period.
Four minutes later it was 4-0 on aggregate, Ji’s cross from the right was powered in by Flaherty from close range. And Chelsea march on to the last 16.
Similar fortune unfortunately didn’t befall Liverpool Ladies, who have had a ridiculous run of injuries this season, and who had been knocked out of the Continental Cup on Sunday by Notts County. Liverpool started the game with a one goal deficit which they were unable to overturn.
They did get the ball in the back of the net but Asisat Oshoala’s shot was ruled out for a foul. The only goal of the game was by Brescia’s Barbara Bonansea midway through the first half making the score 2-0 on aggregate and putting Brescia into the next round.
Liverpool dominated long periods without turning pressure into goals. Ashley Hodson forced two good saves from goalkeeper Camelia Cesar, while Lucy Staniforth saw her two direct free-kicks well saved.
Other than the goal, the Italian side created few clear goal scoring opportunities.
It was a sad end to Liverpool Manager Matt Beard’s time in charge as he will now take charge of Boston Breakers in the USA. Last season’s Champions finished 7th in the WSL1. Hopefully, next season will be kinder in terms of injuries and we will see them once more challenge for the title.
Photos provided by Gino D’Andrea – you can follow Gino on twitter @_Gino_D
