The Blues’s hopes of qualifying to the next round of the UWCL were boosted as they overcame stubborn resistance to beat the Swiss Champions at Kingsmeadow. In a much lower-key affair than 11 days ago, it ended Chelsea 1-0 Servette.
Team News
After the weekend victory over Manchester City, Emma Hayes made 6 changes to rotate her side again. Zecira Musovic started in goal, with Chelsea reverting to a 4-person defence. This comprised of Jonna Andersson, Millie Bright, Magda Eriksson and a first start of the season for Maren Mjelde. Niamh Charles and Fran Kirby played as wide midfielders, with Ji So-Yun and Sophie Ingle in the centre. Sam Kerr started upfront with Beth England.
First Half
Chelsea faced a more stubborn opposition from Servette this time around. Their 4-2-3-1 formation caused problems for the home side who lacked fluidity and struggled to break through the solid shape. Although Fran Kirby tested Ines Pereira into an early save, the Blues looked laboured.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite dominating the possession, Chelsea were throwing away a very good chance to take control of their destiny in the group. Juventus had beaten Wolfsburg 2-0 in the other fixture, so it was ripe for taking control.
Second Half
Emma Hayes surprisingly didn’t make any half-time changes, but Chelsea did come out with more intention after the break. They should have opened the scoring minutes after the break. A low corner found Beth England, but her flicked effort sailed agonising across the face of the goal.
However, Servette did offer a threat too and Zecira Musovic was required to make a smart save. She reacted well to prevent Monica Mendes from scoring a backheel against the run of play. Chelsea did punish them by opening the scoring minutes later. Again, it was the usual combination, as Kirby played the Australian striker in. A clever nutmeg beat the defender and she fired into the corner from the edge of the box.
Embed from Getty ImagesA number of changes followed as Cuthbert, Leupolz and Fleming all came on. Servette were reduced to ten players with 8 minutes to go as Amandine Soulard received her second yellow card. Reiten and Lauren James entered as the seconds ticked away. The latter missed a glorious chance to grab her first goal, sidefooting over the bar from close range.
Full Time: Chelsea 1-0 Servette
Embed from Getty ImagesFinal Thoughts: Chelsea 1-0 Servette
With a hard-fought victory, the Blues are now in control of their own destiny, with games home against Juventus and away at Wolfsburg to come. Before that, it’s more WSL action, against relegation-threatened Birmingham City.