Chelsea delivered a statement victory in the Champions League, dismantling Roma 6-0 at Stamford Bridge to secure third place in the league phase standings. After a shock league defeat to Everton, the Blues rediscovered their attacking rhythm, with goals from multiple players and a crucial own goal from Roma’s Valentina Bergamaschi.

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Early Breakthrough and First-Half Domination

Chelsea struggled initially to break through Roma’s low block. The opener came in the 13th minute when Bergamaschi inadvertently headed a deep Sandy Baltimore cross past her own goalkeeper in a desperate attempt to stop Sam Kerr.

Chelsea continued to push for a second goal, which eventually arrived thanks to a sublime diagonal from Keira Walsh, finding Johanna Rytting Kaneryd at the back post. Rytting Kaneryd’s header set up Wieke Kaptein to fire home and double the lead.

Just before halftime, Rytting Kaneryd again capitalized on Chelsea’s pressure to tap home after Kerr was denied by Olivie Lukasova, giving the hosts a comfortable 3-0 lead.

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Second-Half Brilliance

With the result seemingly secure, Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor made substitutions that further energized the team:

• Sjoeke Nüsken converted a penalty following a VAR review, making it 4-0.
• Guro Reiten assisted Maika Hamano, who curled home the fifth.
• Lucy Bronze added a spectacular sixth, curling a cross-shot over the Roma goalkeeper to cap the rout.

Chelsea’s substitutes were eager to prove themselves, highlighting squad depth and maintaining momentum despite an already commanding lead.

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Tactical Analysis: Blues Solve Scoring Woes

Chelsea’s 6-0 victory showcased a return to form after a four-game winless streak across all competitions. Key takeaways include:

• Five different goal scorers, reflecting attacking variety.
• Improved finishing after a lack of clinical edge against Everton.
• Effective integration of substitutes, with Nüsken, Hamano, and Reiten all scoring or assisting in the second half.
• Dominance over Roma’s low block and control of both possession and transitions.

Bompastor can now focus on upcoming crucial fixtures with confidence, knowing the team has rediscovered attacking fluidity.

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Standings and Upcoming Fixtures

Chelsea move to third place in the Champions League league phase with 11 points. A win against Wolfsburg on matchday six could secure automatic qualification for the quarter-finals.

Roma’s defeat leaves them eliminated with one game remaining, having collected just one point from five matches.

Next fixtures:

• Chelsea: WSL trip to Brighton on Sunday (11:55 GMT)
• Roma: Serie A Femminile match at bottom-side Ternana on Saturday (18:00 CET)

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Player of the Match and Key Performances

• Lucy Bronze (Chelsea) – 8.71, instrumental in attack and finishing with the sixth goal.
• Wieke Kaptein (Chelsea) – 8.34, scored and contributed to the build-up.
• Guro Reiten (Chelsea) – 8.31, assisted a goal and controlled play.
• Sjoeke Nüsken (Chelsea) – 8.14, decisive penalty goal.
• Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea) – 8.02, key in the first-half scoring opportunities.

Chelsea’s clinical display and attacking diversity leave them in strong contention for both WSL and Champions League success this season.