Chelsea hit six to maintain perfect Champions League campaign

Chelsea 6-1 Twente: The Blues have won all five games but Real Madrid could snatch top spot when they meet next week

Sports Staff
Thursday 12 December 2024 08:11 GMT
Comments
Chelsea have now won all 14 of their matches this season
Chelsea have now won all 14 of their matches this season (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chelsea maintained their perfect Champions League group campaign by crushing Twente 6-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Sonia Bompastor’s side, who had already qualified for the knockout stage, made it five victories from as many matches to tighten their stranglehold on Group B.

The Women’s Super League leaders have now won all 14 of their matches this season as they pursue silverware on two fronts.

Bompastor made seven changes following Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Brighton and they immediately found their stride with Catarina Macario notching the opener in only the second minute.

The visitors’ defence was all at sea as Macario struck on the rebound and Erin Cuthbert should have done better from close range shortly after as a chance to extend the lead went begging.

But Twente recovered from their shaky start to draw level from the spot in the 29th minute after Maika Hamano pulled back Charlotte Tamar Hulst with Kayleigh van Dooren converting the penalty.

Barely a minute later Chelsea were back in front, however, after Oriane Jean-Francois’ shot was deflected home.

It sparked a quickfire two-goal surge from the hosts, who saw Mayra Ramirez find the net from long range before Cuthbert took advantage of another Twente defensive error to score.

Jean-Francois departed with what appeared to be an ankle injury and when half-time arrived Chelsea had built a 4-1 lead.

A chasm opened up between the rivals just two minutes after the interval when Hamano found replacement Sjoeke Nusken, who steered the cross home.

Eve Perisset drove the final nail into Twente’s coffin, benefiting from yet another mistake by the visitors in their own area.

Chelsea meet Real Madrid on Tuesday and while they are favourites to proceed as group winners, the Spanish club could snatch top spot.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in