Great news tonight as Chelsea Ladies have cruised into the semi-final of the Women`s Champions League. Going into tonight`s tie with a 2-0 lead from the away leg against Montpellier, it looked like the job was all but done. Of course that can never be taken for granted, because, as someone once said ‘football’s a funny old game`.
However, a 3-1 victory at Kingsmeadow has seen Emma Hayes side make history. The ladies, like the men, are more concerned with making history rather than just recalling it. Of course new history is nowhere near as good as old history (as I type it that, it sounds very sarcastic, for the record, it`s meant to).
Chelsea got off to the best possible start. A sloppy pass along the backline by Montpellier was intercepted by Fran Kirby, who ran on goal before firing past the keeper.
The perfect start! 🙌
The Blues up and running thanks to @FranKirby‘s fourth minute goal! #CLFC pic.twitter.com/EWLdNghnjG
? Chelsea Ladies FC (@ChelseaLFC) March 28, 2018
Despite Chelsea`s lead, the French side kept plugging away for a goal that would give them some hope. Ten minutes before the break, having created chances, ex-Blue Sofia Jakobsson, lobbed Hedvig Lindahl tie-ing the game up on the night.
At the break, Chelsea held onto that 3-1 aggregate advantage. The Blues started the second period with no less intensity than the first. Four minutes in and an inch perfect pass by Kirby put Ramona Bachmann in on goal. The Swiss international, like Kirby before, ran on goal, dropped her shoulder and curled the ball around the diving keeper.
When @FranKirby and @BachmannR10 combine… 🔥
The Blues back in front on the night! #CLFC pic.twitter.com/8YHgV1rsJh
? Chelsea Ladies FC (@ChelseaLFC) March 28, 2018
It was a big moment in the game. With time running out, Montpellier would need to find at least 3 goals to progress. It was always going be too much for them though, and the game was wrapped up when Fran Kirby, who`d played a part in all the goals, struck home a penalty after Ji So-Yun had been denied a shooting opportunity in the box.
Cool as you like! 😎@FranKirby slots it home from the spot! 3-1! 👏 #CLFC pic.twitter.com/ywovqG4FkH
? Chelsea Ladies FC (@ChelseaLFC) March 28, 2018
With 14 minutes left, that really was game over. The game ended 3-1 on the night, 5-1 on aggregate. Chelsea will face a two legged tie against Wolfsburg in the semi-final.
A terrific night for the ladies. We`d like to send our congratulations for a top job, well done.