Chelsea, Lyon, Real Madrid Reach Women’s Champions League Quarters

AFP/APP

Paris: Chelsea secured a place in the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-0 victory over Celtic on Wednesday, joined by Lyon and Real Madrid in advancing to the knockout stage.

England international Lucy Bronze opened the scoring with a volley in the second minute at Stamford Bridge, followed by Dutch midfielder Wieke Kaptein’s header midway through the first half. Eve Perisset sealed the win with a penalty in second-half stoppage time.

Chelsea, currently leading the Women’s Super League, remain unbeaten in Group B with four wins, ensuring their progression.

“A great result. Really happy with the win, the three points, and being top of the table. It was really important to score the first goal, especially so early,” Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor told UEFA.com. Chelsea has won all 11 games since Bompastor, formerly Lyon’s coach, took charge in May.

Real Madrid’s Gritty Victory

Real Madrid joined Chelsea in advancing from Group B with a hard-fought 3-2 win against Twente. The Dutch hosts initially led through Jaimy Ravensbergen, but Linda Caicedo equalized just before halftime. Signe Bruun and Alba Redondo then scored to put Madrid ahead, with Sophie Te Brake adding a late goal for Twente.

With nine points, Madrid is assured a quarter-final spot after defeating Twente in both encounters. “I can see Real Madrid going really far in this Women’s Champions League campaign,” said Bruun.

Lyon’s Comeback Triumph

Record eight-time champions Lyon staged a comeback to beat Roma 4-1 in Group A, maintaining their perfect record. Giulia Dragoni initially gave Roma the lead, but Kadidiatou Diani, introduced as a substitute, scored twice in quick succession. Late goals from Eugenie Le Sommer and captain Wendie Renard secured the win.

Lyon sits six points clear of Roma and Wolfsburg, who thrashed Galatasaray 5-0, thanks to Alexandra Popp’s hat-trick. Roma and Wolfsburg face off on December 11 in a decisive battle for the second quarter-final spot from Group A.

Galatasaray remains winless, with a solitary goal and 19 conceded across four games.