Chelsea secured a controlled and confident win to kick-start the 2022-23 UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign. Millie Bright’s astute finish ensured it finished PSG 0-1 Chelsea, giving the Blues a big 3 points on Matchday 1.
PSG 0-1 Chelsea: Team News
Following Sunday’s triumph over a tricky Everton side, Denise Reddy was once again on the touchline in Emma Hayes’ absence. She made several changes to the starting line-up.
Ann-Katrin Berger continued in goal. Maren Mjelde and captain Magda Eriksson started in the fullback positions. Millie Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan lined up in the centre of defence. Erin Cuthbert and Sophie Ingle started in the engine-room, with Pernille Harder in the more advanced ’10’ role. Niamh Charles was deployed on the right of the attack, with Guro Reiten on the left. This left Sam Kerr through the middle, leading the line.
First Half
The game started slowly, largely in part due to the weather and the artificial pitch at Stade Jean-Bouin. However, Chelsea settled the better of the two sides, controlling early possession and pushing high up the pitch.
The first foray goalwards came around the 10th minute. Some good interplay from Chelsea found Sam Kerr in the box. Her turn deceived Amanda Ilestedt, but her low effort was saved by Sarah Bouhaddi. Erin Cuthbert’s follow-up effort was skewed a long way wide.
Embed from Getty ImagesParis Saint-Germain’s first effort on target followed shortly after. Jean-Francois was able to stride through several challenges, subsequently shooting from range. Her effort was well struck, however, it was straight at Ann-Katrin Berger.
The Blues took the lead in the 27th minute. A dubious decision rewarded Chelsea with a corner. Although Cuthbert’s initial delivery was cleared, the ball was only recycled to the Scot. Her second cross was much better, floating menacingly towards the far post. Millie Bright seized the chance to get a yard of space and finished a brilliant volley past Bouhaddi from close range. PSG 0-1 Chelsea.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe rest of the first half was a bitty and scrappy affair. Both sides struggled to keep the ball for long periods. However, at half-time, the visitors were the happier side, and deservedly in-front.
Second Half
With the score PSG 0-1 Chelsea, the onus was on the Parisians to show more invention in the second half. In contrast, Chelsea remained happy to keep their shape and preserve the scoreline.
PSG did begin the second half on the front foot, controlling possession and using the dangerous Fazer to run at the defence. However, Chelsea generally defended well, restricting their hosts to long-range efforts. A great run from Sarina Karchaoui saw her tee up Diani but the latter blazed her effort wide.
Embed from Getty ImagesChelsea had chances to make the game more comfortable on the counter-attack. Sam Kerr again found herself with space in the box, but she went for placement over power and her shot was blocked. A similar foray forward by Pernille Harder saw her effort cleared in a frantic scramble. It remained PSG 0-1 Chelsea.
The Dane was replaced shortly after by Jo Kaneryd. The Swedish winger again impressed from the bench. Jessie Fleming also replaced Guro Reiten on the 77th minute. Despite late Parisian pressure, the Blues held firm and generally didn’t need to do too much to secure the win.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe final change came deep in stoppage time. Former PSG star and French international Eve Perisset replaced Sophie Ingle as the seconds ticked down. It finished PSG 0-1 Chelsea – a classic away performance.
FT: PSG 0-1 Chelsea
Embed from Getty ImagesFinal Thoughts: PSG 0-1 Chelsea
It is not unfair to say PSG 0-1 Chelsea was a dull game. However, this would have suited Chelsea to a tee. They controlled the game and limited a Parisian side that had scored in 15 consecutive UWCL matches to a blank. Erin Cuthbert and Sophie Ingle formed an immense midfield partnership, whilst Maren Mjelde provided real solidity once again at right-back. It isn’t quite firing for Sam Kerr, but you can’t fault her workrate and pressing.
I also have to mention the amazing support both from the Parisian Ultras and more impressively, from the CFCW fans who overcame a lot of hurdles to be at the game.
Chelsea will hope to keep the winning run going in the UWCL against KS Vllaznia next Wednesday at Kingsmeadow. Before that, it’s an away match against the Blues’ perennial bogey side Brighton. Can Denise Reddy lift the curse?