With a tally of four goals in various competitions this season, Erin Cuthbert shone brightly for Chelsea, netting two decisive goals. This brilliant display propelled Chelsea to the summit of their Champions League group, following a commanding 3-1 triumph over Hacken.
The match in Gothenburg witnessed an early lead for Chelsea, courtesy of Sam Kerr’s goal at the 14-minute mark. Despite this, the first half concluded in a stalemate, as Hacken’s Clarissa Larisey responded with a swift header, capitalizing on a quick counter-attack.
Before this encounter, Hacken boasted an unbeaten record and eyed a quarter-final berth with a potential win. However, their aspirations dimmed as Cuthbert struck twice with precision, delivering a pair of low shots within a span of 12 minutes, elevating Emma Hayes’ squad to end 2023 on a victorious note.
Molly Johansson’s late goal for Hacken was disallowed due to offside, despite the roaring support from the packed home crowd.
In another key Group D fixture, Paris FC edged out Real Madrid with a narrow 1-0 win, dashing the latter’s hopes of advancing.
Post-match, Chelsea’s Hayes expressed satisfaction to Uefa.com, “We are exactly where we aim to be. Our true caliber was evident eventually.”
When queried about Hacken’s equalizer causing worry, Hayes confidently replied, “Not at all. Our experience in big matches was apparent in the first half, and in the second, we dominated. Our win was well-deserved.”
High-Octane Action in Women’s Champions League: Chelsea’s Triumph Over Hacken
The match surged with energy early on. Larisey’s initial strike hitting the crossbar set the stage, followed by Kerr’s close-range goal for Chelsea. The home team’s counter-attacks posed challenges for Chelsea, with Larisey leveling the score, to the delight of the spirited Hisingen Arena crowd.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, a former Hacken player now with Chelsea, remarked, “Our second-half performance truly defined us as a team.”
Mirroring the match’s start, Anvegard’s strike hit the crossbar, but Chelsea soon regained the lead. Ingle’s pass found Cuthbert, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner.
Cuthbert’s second goal, embodying cool precision, reinforced Chelsea’s dominance. The team now sets sights on the quarter-finals, with key matches against Real Madrid and Paris FC on the horizon.
Chelsea’s 2023: A Year of Distinction
Chelsea’s earlier goalless draw with Hacken at Stamford Bridge contrasted sharply with this encounter. Despite dominating possession and attempts, Chelsea previously struggled to breach Hacken’s solid defense.
The rematch showcased a more aggressive Hacken, which ironically benefitted Chelsea. Cuthbert exploited the defensive gaps, scoring her first goal effortlessly and breezing past defenders for her second, marking the club’s 100th goal of the year.
Cuthbert’s brace concluded Chelsea’s 2023 campaign on a triumphant note, with an impressive record of 28 victories in 38 matches. Heading into the Women’s Super League’s winter break, Chelsea enjoys a three-point lead.
Hayes plans to rejuvenate during the break, focusing on family time. “I’ll have a tremendous break,” she said, emphasizing the importance of disconnecting and recharging.
Match Details
Line-ups, Stats, and Live Text
- Home Team: Häcken Women
- Away Team: Chelsea Women
- Possession: Häcken 34%, Chelsea 66%
- Shots (On Target): Häcken 9 (3), Chelsea 22 (9)
- Corners: Häcken 0, Chelsea 6
- Fouls: Häcken 3, Chelsea 5
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chelsea Champions League
Who scored for Chelsea in their recent Champions League match against Hacken?
Erin Cuthbert was the standout player for Chelsea, scoring two crucial goals, with Sam Kerr also contributing one, leading to a 3-1 victory over Hacken.
How did Chelsea’s performance against Hacken affect their position in the Champions League group?
Chelsea’s win over Hacken, with a score of 3-1, propelled them to the top of their Champions League group.
What was significant about Erin Cuthbert’s performance in the match?
Erin Cuthbert’s performance was pivotal, as she scored two goals for Chelsea, playing a key role in their victory over Hacken and demonstrating her crucial role in the team’s attack this season.
Did Chelsea face any setbacks during the match against Hacken?
Yes, Chelsea faced a brief setback when Hacken’s Clarissa Larisey scored a header, bringing the game to a level score at halftime. However, Chelsea managed to regain control in the second half.
What are Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures in the Champions League?
Chelsea is set to face Real Madrid on January 24 and Paris FC on January 30 in their final group stage games of the Champions League.
More about Chelsea Champions League
- Chelsea FC Official Website
- UEFA Women’s Champions League
- Erin Cuthbert Player Profile
- Women’s Super League Standings
- Match Highlights: Chelsea vs Hacken
- Interview with Emma Hayes
- Women’s Football Analysis and News
5 comments
proud of our Hacken girls, they showed great spirit, just need a bit more experience at this level. next time!
Gotta give credit to Hacken though, they put up a good fight, especially in the first half. but, chelsea’s just on another level rn.
wow, Chelsea really showed their class against Hacken. Cuthbert is just amazing this season, unstoppable!
that disallowed goal at the end was a bit controversial, wasn’t it? thought Johansson had it for a sec there.
As a Madrid fan, I’m really not looking forward to facing Chelsea, they’re looking too strong this season.