Chelsea Ladies made history this afternoon, when they took part in their first ever Champions League semi-final. Domestically Chelsea have been in fine form and came into the game full of confidence.
Emma Hayes side got off to a flying start with Fran Kirby setting Ji So-Yun up with a chance that she swept wide of the Wolfsburg keeper and in. Unfortunately, the lead did not last. A cross drilled into the box was headed in from close range by Gunnarsdottir to draw the game level.
What a finish by Ji So-Yun! 🔥
She has scored in each of the past three rounds now! 👌 #CLFC pic.twitter.com/ot8KFDPp3F
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) April 22, 2018
Having recovered from the shock of conceding early, the German side built on their goal, stepping up the pace. They took control of the game, leaving Chelsea chasing shadows at times. It was not for a lack of effort by Hayes side, just that Wolfsburg are a top side.
Just before the break, Wolfsburg took the lead. A free kick into the box, aimed into a crowd of players deflected off the head of Millie Bright, for an unfortunate own-goal. To be fair, on the balance of play, it was a deserved lead they took into half-time.
Chelsea started the second half well in their search for an equaliser. Unfortunately, Wolfsburg’s defence were resolute and practically impenetrable after first-half blip. A third goal by Lara Dickenmann all but killed the tie. A twice deflected cross enabled the Swiss international a chance that she took really well, finishing with an overhead kick.
Chelsea ran and tried to find another goal, they were simply being outplayed. The game finished 3-1 with the second leg coming up next Sunday. There’s a lot for the ladies to do but the game is not yet over. They have to head to Germany in a positive frame of mind.