Chelsea edge Austria Wien 1-0 as Kaptein seals Champions League win
Chelsea opened their Women’s Champions League league-phase campaign with three points, beating Austria Wien 1-0 at Plough Lane as Wieke Kaptein’s early strike proved decisive. Sonia Bompastor’s side now turn quickly towards Sunday’s London derby with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Kaptein settles tense European opener
The 21-year-old midfielder struck in the 11th minute, driving a superb effort from the edge of the box onto the underside of the crossbar and over the line.
Chelsea had opportunities to make the margin more comfortable, but Austria Wien remained firmly in the contest throughout a difficult night in Wimbledon.
- Alyssa Thompson made an energetic start on Chelsea’s right, beating her opponent before firing narrowly wide.
- Thompson also created an opening for Melvine Malard, whose header went just past the target.
- Kaptein was denied a second after the interval when Jasmin Pal pushed away another powerful attempt.
- Sandy Baltimore could not convert the rebound, with her follow-up blocked.
- Sjoeke Nusken later volleyed over from an Ellie Carpenter delivery.
Walsh forced off as Austria Wien grow into match
Bompastor made three changes from the weekend victory over Birmingham, selecting Livia Peng in goal alongside Katie McCabe and Malard.
There was an early blow for Chelsea, however, when Walsh appeared to sustain an injury and had to leave the field around the 20-minute mark. Lexi Potter came on in midfield.
The disruption gave Austria Wien encouragement before half-time. Virginia Kirchberger sent a major chance over the bar, while Louise Schöffel pulled another effort wide as the visitors chased an equaliser.
Peng preserves clean sheet
Austria Wien continued to threaten Chelsea on the break after the restart, but Peng delivered a string of important saves on her debut in the side. The goalkeeper turned one attempt around the post to maintain the hosts’ narrow lead.
The biggest escape came with 15 minutes left. Modesta Uka broke into space and struck powerfully, only to see her shot crash against the right-hand post.
- Chelsea held on for a 1-0 win and a clean sheet.
- The result puts Bompastor’s team on a strong footing after their first league-phase fixture.
- Next up is Arsenal, with Chelsea hosting their London rivals on Sunday.
