Wieke Kaptein scored a stunning goal but Chelsea were given a stern test by Austria Wien as they began their Women’s Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Plough Lane.
Chelsea went ahead in spectacular style early on. Sandy Baltimore’s run was ended by a well-timed sliding tackle and the ball spun loose. Collecting it 25 yards from goal was Kaptein, and after taking a touch she hammered it in off the bar.
Keira Walsh was forced off injured after 20 minutes, a potential blow for Chelsea ahead of Sunday’s WSL game at home to Arsenal.
The home side were living dangerously when goalkeeper Livia Peng fumbled a shot from a short corner routine, palming the ball back out into danger from where Virginia Kirchberger hoisted it over the bar.
There was almost a sublime equaliser when Louise Schoffel danced her way through Chelsea’s defence and hit a low shot that flashed inches wide of the post.
Sjoeke Nusken should have settled the match and her manager’s nerves with a free hit 10 yards out that she wastefully thumped into the supporters behind the goal from Carpenter’s cross.
Chelsea’s number looked to be up when Kosovan forward Modesta Uka went through and hit the post, but they clung on for a nervy win.
The game’s key moments
8: SAVE! Thompson cuts the ball back to Kaptein whose low effort is well saved by the goalkeeper.
12: GOAL! Kaptein latches on to a loose ball and unleashes a rasping effort which hits the underside of the bar and goes in!
20: SUB! Enforced early substitution for Chelsea as Walsh has to come off with some kind of knock. Potter on to replace her.
26 CLOSE! Malard heads just wide!
32: CLOSE! Pfanner shoots before the ball drops to Kirchberger who fires over.
41: CLOSE! Schoffel glides away from a couple of Chelsea players and her shot is only just wide!
64: SAVE! Uka shoots from range, forcing Peng into a diving save to her right.
73: OVER! Carpenter breaks down the right and crosses well for Nuskens who volleys over!
77: POST! Sharp counter attack from Austria Wien. Uka shoots from the corner of the area and it hits the post and goes behind!
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