Chelsea begin their European charge with a convincing win over Paris FC
Chelsea kicked off their Women’s Champions League campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Paris FC at Stamford Bridge, signaling a strong start to Sonia Bompastor’s tenure and a renewed sense of attacking intent after a modest finish in recent domestic campaigns. The win came with a notable personal milestone for Alyssa Thompson, who struck her first goal for Chelsea and helped lift the mood around the club as they look to chase down Europe’s top prize.
Alyssa Thompson’s breakout moment
The 20-year-old forward has made a high-profile move from Angel City this summer, and this match showcased why Chelsea invested in her potential. Thompson’s decisive burst of pace and movement caused problems for Paris FC’s defense, and she capped the night with a close-range finish just after the break. Her goal bookends a confident all-round performance that suggested there is more to come as she grows accustomed to the demanding rhythm of European football.
Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has repeatedly highlighted Thompson’s work rate and adaptation to a new environment. “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 coach said. “She’s really quick and she has an engine. I think we haven’t seen the best of her yet but hopefully we’ll see that soon. She’s coming from abroad … It’s a new environment. She needs to learn to connect with the players on the pitch.”
A collaborative team performance that builds momentum
Chelsea dominated from the outset, pressing with urgency and asking questions of Paris FC’s defense. Despite a flurry of chances, the Blues were patient, with Sjoeke Nüsken and Erin Cuthbert testing the goalkeeper and Aggie Beever-Jones’s two gilt-edged openings illustrating the fine margins that separate goals from near-misses.
The opening goal arrived from the penalty spot, with Sandy Baltimore converting after a decision reviewed by VAR. The visitors briefly reeled, but Chelsea regained their rhythm and extended their lead just before the break when Thompson powered forward, delivered a precise cross, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd headed home. The strike was a reminder that the wingers in Bompastor’s system can contribute goals as well as assists, a dynamic Chelsea will want to maximize across Europe this season.
Second-half surge and a marker for the season
Early in the second half, Thompson popped up again, finishing from close range to make it 3-0 and seal a comprehensive result. Chelsea did not relax, and Erin Cuthbert added a fourth by steering a Sam Kerr header onto the net line, underscoring the team’s depth and collective finishing ability when chances arise.
The night also offered a welcome platform for squad depth. England youth international Lexi Potter arrived off the bench to make her Chelsea debut, signaling Bompastor’s continued rotation and the opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim in European competition. It was a practical win, built on solid defending, smart ball retention, and a sharper threat in forward areas than in recent fixtures.
Looking ahead
Chelsea head to Austria next month to face St Pölten, with the points gained at Stamford Bridge providing a solid platform as they chase a deeper run in the competition. Bompastor will no doubt be encouraged by the progress of Thompson, whose early-season development could be a hinge point in Chelsea’s aspirations this season. As she integrates further with teammates and refines her link play, more goals and assists could well follow in Europe’s premier club competition.
