H2: Chelsea kick off a triumphant Champions League campaign
Chelsea began their Women’s Champions League campaign with a confident 3-0 victory over Paris FC at Stamford Bridge, signaling their intent for the season under boss Sonia Bompastor. The home side dominated from the whistle, carving out chances with a patient, high-tempo approach that asked early questions of the Paris FC rearguard.
H2: Alyssa Thompson’s rising star shines in west London
H3: A landmark goal for a new recruit
The evening’s defining moment arrived when 20-year-old Alyssa Thompson netted her first Chelsea goal after joining from Angel City for a reported £1.1m this summer. Thompson’s goal, coming just after the break, epitomised her rapid adaptation to life in London and in the competition. Bompastor highlighted the forward’s rapid development, saying, “I’m glad for her because I think she’s been working hard and the fact that she was able to score her first goal is really important for her confidence.” The French coach added that Thompson’s speed and engine will be key assets as she grows more integrated with the squad.
H3: A confident, cohesive display from Chelsea
Chelsea’s performance was built on controlled pressing and clear attacking intent. The home side created a string of chances from distance through Sjoeke Nüsken and Erin Cuthbert, while Aggie Beever-Jones flourished in the channels, though two gilt-edged opportunities initially escaped her. The ball finally found the net after a VAR review when Nüsken went down in the box; Sandy Baltimore calmly converted the resulting penalty to double Chelsea’s lead.
H3: Rytting Kaneryd seals the first-half advantage
Shortly before the half-time interval, Thompson converted a break with a cross that Johanna Rytting Kaneryd headed home at the far post. The reaction from the winger indicated a touch of disbelief as the ball sailed past the keeper—an early indication that Chelsea’s front line was becoming more efficient and clinical as the match progressed.
H3: A commanding start, with more to come after the break
The Good Friday feel of the first-half dominance extended into the second period. Thompson’s close-range finish immediately after the restart put distant doubts to bed for good and gave Chelsea a comfortable cushion. Chelsea soon sealed the points when Erin Cuthbert tapped in a Sam Kerr header on the line, extending the lead to four goals in total. The sequence underlined Chelsea’s depth and the variety of routes to goal, a promising sign for a squad juggling domestic duties with Europe.
H2: Team dynamics, rotation, and the road ahead
Chelsea rotated carefully for the fixture, making two changes with Baltimore and Nüsken returning to the XI. Bompastor’s selection choices continue to draw scrutiny as she balances personnel to maintain attacking cohesion while preserving freshness for a demanding schedule. The victory also served as a confidence booster after a 1-1 draw with Twente in recent European action, plus a few profligate moments that had supporters eager for a sharper performance.
H2: Paris FC and the broader Group D context
Paris FC, who had themselves endured a stumble in domestic competition, faced a stern test against a Chelsea side eager to reassert their European pedigree. Sandrine Soubeyrand’s team experimented with personnel, bringing back goalkeeper Mylène Chavas and adding Maëlle Garbino and Anaële Le Moguédec, but were unable to withstand Chelsea’s pressure on the night. The result leaves Chelsea well-placed in Group D and sets up a potentially pivotal trip to Austria to confront St Pölten in the coming month.
H3: Looking ahead
The result offers a clear message of intent from Chelsea: a blend of youth and experience, speed on the flanks, and a growing chemistry in the final third. As Thompson continues to adapt to life at Chelsea, supporters will be watching closely to see how her development translates into even more decisive contributions in Europe and beyond. The Cobham academy product Lexi Potter also earned her Chelsea debut, symbolizing the deep pool of talent coursing through the club as they chase further continental success.
