Ajax v Chelsea LIVE: Women’s Champions League result and reaction as Nusken scores twice in big away win
Chelsea travel to Amsterdam for their quarter-final first leg against underdogs Ajax
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Your support makes all the difference.The climax of Emma Hayes’ dynasty is fast approaching and there is only one form that they will want that climax to take.
Much still needs to be done before Chelsea can ensure her final game is the Champions League final, but the manner of their quarter-final first leg victory over Ajax showed that they would be fitting finalists.It wasn’t pretty; it definitely wasn’t easy.
That, however, is the crucial part. Chelsea were tested, they struggled to find their best rhythm, but they were patient and it paid dividends. Follow all the reaction below. Get the latest match odds here.
45+1’ - Ajax 0-2 Chelsea
The hosts know they simply have to find a way to score in the second half and keep the door shut at the other end.
Ajax will know they’ll be up against it at Stamford Bridge so can’t afford to concede more here.
Five minutes added on.
GOAL! 43’ - Ajax 0-2 Chelsea
GOAL! This one will count!
A threaded pass finds Reiten, who had that goal taken off her moments ago, and she plays a brilliant low cross first-time into the six-yard box. Nusken goes sliding in and beats the defender to the ball, diverting it past the keeper and in for 2-0!
Again!
NO GOAL - 42’ - Ajax 0-1 Chelsea
Ruled out! A bizarrely lengthy VAR check on that goal - there was no offside, no handball and no touch from Nusken who was near the ball, on the goalline.
The referee is told to go check the moniter herself to make a call on this one but it’s tough to see why there would be an issue here.
The ball passes Nusken and a defender tries to block the ball behind her but there’s no real reason to think there’s an interference or stopping the ability of the defender to clear it... but no goal is given all the same!
Still only 1-0.
GOAL! 40’ - Ajax 0-2 Chelsea
Two before the break!
De Klonia has to go through two challenges in succession to stop Chelsea getting in down their right - good play from the full-back.
James then attacks from the left instead, Reiten totally misses her header but the ball drops kindly for her and she smashes in at the second attempt - that’s 2-0 for Emma Hayes’ side.
36’ - Ajax 0-1 Chelsea
Somewhat wild challenge from Keijzer to swipe Leupolz’s shin away. Free-kick on the left side of the box for the Blues; three players over it.
Perisset eventually delivers and finds Nusken centrally - she dips her head and nods vaguely goalwards, but gets the direction wrong and it’s five yards wide.
Ajax’s attempt to play out from the back is poor though and they concede another corner.
32’ - Ajax 0-1 Chelsea
Over a third of the game gone then and Chelsea ahead, but not necessarily the better team. They probably look the more consistently dangerous, but some of their play has been sloppy and Ajax’s structure looks good - though they’ll know they need to be more clinical going forward.
The Blues have had 57% of possession so far.
Grant and Buchanan have a bit of a battle down the Ajax right and the former gets a shot away, but it’s into the near side netting and no real issue for Hampton this time.
28’ - Ajax 0-1 Chelsea
Huge chance for Ajax, escape for Chelsea! Hampton is put under pressure, tries to dribble past the forward and is tackled, the ball breaks to Yohannes who attempts a chip from 25 yards...and skies it.
Well, well over the bar, with options to pass as well as to shoot for the 16-year-old.
Hampton very fortunate to not have cost an equaliser there.
24’ - Ajax 0-1 Chelsea
Here’s that goal by James and the offside call which was given, then overruled.
Ajax have quickly made a bit of a push to get themselves back in the game but no cutting edge in the final third for them since the early moments and that struck woodwork.
Leupolz makes a crude challenge in the middle and is lucky to escape without a card.
GOAL! 20’ - Ajax 0-1 Chelsea
Indeed, that’s a comfortable onside call for James and the celebrations begin!
Ajax stunned, Chelsea surprised, James gets the reward for playing on and making the most of a double defensive deflection!
1-0 to the visitors.
20’ - Ajax 0-0 Chelsea
James knocks the ball around the ‘keeper and tucks it away although everybody has stopped for an apparent offside.
We’re getting a look at the replay and...it doesn’t look offside at all. We’ll see momentarily but this could be a lead for the Blues...
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