Ghirls suffer UCL defeat in London

UEFA Women’s Champions League Wednesday, November 20 2024Stamford Bridge CHELSEA…3(Bronze 1, Kaptein 24, Périsset 90 +5) CELTIC…0 Celtic FC Women suffered defeat on their travels in the UEFA Women’s Champions League as Chelsea ran out 2-0 winners at Stamford Bridge. Two first half goals and a penalty right at the death handed Chelsea the victory, but it was another positive showing from the Celts, losing out to last season’s semi-finalists of the competition. Following on from an extremely positive showing at Paradise last week, the Ghirls entered matchday four as they made the trip south. Travelling for the reverse fixture against Chelsea, Elena Sadiku’s side faced off against Sonia Bompastor and her squad at Stamford Bridge. After making a fast start to proceedings in last week’s game, the Celts would have been looking to make a similar start, if possible, in London. However, that wasn’t the case, and it was in fact the home side who came out the blocks quickly on this occasion. Opening the scoring inside a minute, Lucy Bronze produced a smart finish to put her side ahead from a corner. The Hoops quickly aimed to recover as Amy Gallacher and Lucy Ashworth-Clifford looked to link up. The forward’s delivery from the right appeared to be heading for the well-timed run of her team-mate at the back post, but it was well defended. Having scored the Celts’ first ever UWCL goal last week, Murphy Agnew would have been looking to follow up that feat with back-to-back first half goals in Europe. However, her best effort was an audacious strike from distance, which wasn’t troubling the Chelsea goalkeeper. With the game approaching the half hour mark, it was the home side who would double their advantage with another goal from a set piece as Wieke Kaptein tucked home the second. Once more, it didn’t deter the Hoops despite falling two goals behind. Shortly after the goal, Ashworth-Clifford sent another good cross into the box, but she just couldn’t find a team-mate. Enjoying the lion’s share of the ball, Chelsea continued to also search for another in the opening 45 minutes. Kelsey Daugherty was on hand to produce a number of comfortable stops, whilst the Celtic defence stood firm to the threats for the rest of the half, with the score 2-0 at the break. Heading into the second half, the Celts were up against it for the 45 minutes, with Chelsea having a lot of the ball. That being said, it was a resolute performance at the back, with Daugherty being reduced to very few saves in the second 45 minutes. The Hoops looked to threaten in their own way, with the best opportunity coming the way of a free kick which was sent into the box. But it was comfortably defended With most of Chelsea’s second half chances coming from distance or being cleared up well by the Celtic backline, the Ghirls just unfortunately couldn’t find a way back into the match against a very strong Chelsea side. The home side added another goal to their tally in the 95th minute of the match as Ève Périsset converted from the spot to make it 3-0. It was another good display from Elena Sadiku’s side on what was always likely to be an extremely tough night as they continue to learn and grow on the European stage. CELTIC: Daugherty, Lawton, Clark, Hayes, Barclais, Smith (Noonan 70), Ashworth-Clifford (Kerner 82), Cavanagh (S. Carstens 61), McGregor, Gallacher (M. Carstens 82), Agnew (Cross 61) Subs: Logan, Rodgers, Bruna, Luana, McAnenyFixturesChelsea Women Vs. Celtic Women – Wed, Nov 20th 2024, 20:00