Chelsea vs Real Madrid LIVE: Women’s Champions League latest score and goal updates from Stamford Bridge
Sonia Bompastor takes charge of Chelsea for the first time at Stamford Bridge as the Blues welcome Real Madrid
Chelsea host Real Madrid on the opening night of the Women’s Champions League as Sonia Bompastor takes charge at Stamford Bridge for the first time.
The Champions League was the one trophy that eluded Chelsea during Emma Hayes’ hugely successful spell, with the Blues reaching the semi-finals in the last two years and the final in 2021. Unable to take the final step, Chelsea have turned to a proven winner in Bompastor, a Champions League winner as both player and coach with Lyon.
A home tie against Spanish giants Real Madrid is her biggest night as Chelsea boss so far, following wins against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in the WSL. Chelsea’s weekend fixture against Manchester United was postponed, leaving the Blues without a match in 10 days since their 7-0 victory thrashing of Palace at Selhurst Park.
Follow updates from Chelsea vs Real Madrid in the Women’s Champions League in tonight’s live blog, below
Late lineup change for Chelsea
A late change in personnel to note between the sticks for Chelsea.
Hannah Hampton is out of the lineup in place of Swedish stopper Zećira Mušović.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid
After a slight delay, Millie Bright and Olga Carmona lead their sides out as they prepare to lock horns at Stamford Bridge once more in the Women’s Champions League.
Chelsea and Real Madrid have grown familiar foes having met each other at this stage in the last two campaigns - Real are yet to register a win against the West Londoners.
Could tonight be the night they end their winless streak against the Blues?
Chelsea vs Real Madrid
Ah, here they come now! Kick-off is just a few moments away.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid
Looks like there’s going to be a delay to kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
It’s almost 8pm, and there’s no movement in the Chelsea tunnel...
Chelsea vs Real Madrid
How can I watch it?
Matches in this season’s Women’s Champions League will be broadcast live and free on streaming platform DAZN and their YouTube channel throughout the world.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Chelsea hand first start to Wieke Kaptein in midfield
Chelsea hand a start to 19-year-old Netherlands international Wieke Kaptein tonight. The midfielder made her first appearance for the club after coming on as a substitute in the 7-0 win over Crystal Palace.
She was actually signed by Chelsea last season, after she was named in the Dutch squad for the World Cup at the age of 17. However she returned on loan to FC Twente, where she helped the club win the league.
She starts in midfield in place of Erin Cuthbert, who is injured.
Chelsea ‘on a journey’ in the Women’s Champions League
Chelsea captain Millie Bright said Sonia Bompastor has set high expectations since arriving at the club and believes the Blues should not shy away from aiming to win the Women’s Champions League for the first time.
“We’ve come very close,” she told TNT Sports. “And I think that they’re the hardest ones to take when you’re just not quite over that final line. But for us, I think we’ve never shied away from them. It’s an ambition that the club, as players, and staff want.
“We’ve certainly been on a journey with the Champions League over the years, but it’s certainly one we’re just as passionate about winning. It’s the one that we haven’t won. I think everyone’s aware of that, and we’ve spoken very openly about that.
“We’ve got a lot of changes this season, and Sonia coming in, she’s laid the expectations down, and there’s no shying away from what’s expected of this group and what our ambitions are.”
European schedule forces change of plans for Chelsea
Chelsea were meant to host Manchester United on Sunday, October 6 in a highly-anticipated clash of Women’s Super League heavyweights.
However, this had to be postponed at just a week’s notice because of a conflict with tonight’s match against Real Madrid, scheduled for just two days after the proposed United game.
Throwing their planned preparation into disarray, it was safe to say Blue manager Sonia Bompastor was not happy with the change of schedule.
"We were disappointed, players and staff,” Bompastor said. “I think everyone has to understand we were supposed to play.
"We were in a very good team dynamic and not having the opportunity to play this weekend changed everything in preparation for the game on Tuesday with Real Madrid.
"When you have the opportunity to play one game a week, with this decision being made to postpone the game, now we have been out of competition for 10 days which is completely different.
"If you look at the situation, the decision is not good. I think it is not good for all the English clubs who are in the Champions League competition."
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