Much-changed Chelsea romped to a commanding 6-1 victory over Twente to maintain their 100 per cent Champions League record and as good as secure top spot in Group B.
Sonia Bompastor’s side can still be overtaken by second-placed Real Madrid, who they meet in the final fixture of the group stage in mid-December, but will finish top of the group if they avoid defeat in that game.
A heavily-rotated Chelsea steamrolled their Dutch visitors at Stamford Bridge, stealing the lead within the first two minutes via Catarina Macario, and never looked back.
Chelsea’s Catarina Macario celebrates with Mayra Ramirez
Twente did draw themselves momentarily level from the penalty spot as Maika Hamano’s mistake was punished by Kayleigh van Dooren, but parity lasted fewer than 60 seconds.
Oriane Jean-Francois was next to jink her way onto the scoresheet, before Mayra Ramirez lobbed Olivia Clarke – caught hopelessly off her line – and Erin Cuthbert added a fourth.
Chelsea were less ruthless after the break – Twente have now conceded 19 goals in this year’s campaign – but Sjoeke Nusken did glance a deft header inside the post from Hamano’s perfectly weighted delivery, and Eve Perisset added a late sixth from a corner.
The Blues, on a remarkable 14-game winning run under Bompastor, have already secured automatic qualification but are now well-placed to progress to the last eight as group winners.
Analysis: Chelsea fear factor even greater than before
Chelsea players bombard Eve Perisset after scoring sixth goal
Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
So slick, and so smooth. This Chelsea side are going to take some beating this season, and it’ll be interesting, as the competition progresses and they meet teams with greater quality, how deep they can go. This is the one trophy to evade Emma Hayes, and it’ll sting if Sonia Bompastor delivers it in her first season in charge.
I see no reason why they can’t. Twente are an inexperienced team with defensive shortcomings – unsurprising given no player was over the age of 25 – but the way Chelsea took advantage was brutal. No messing, all business. And this was a Chelsea selection made up of seven changes, with key attacking players sat on the bench.
Chelsea carry the fear factor this season, perhaps even more so than any campaign previous, and such commanding results will have caught the attention of those that usually challenge for continental honours, including the holders.
Barcelona beware.
Bompastor demands more despite big win
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor speaking to UEFA.com:
“I am really pleased with the win, the three points, and the six goals we scored. In terms of performance, we could have controlled the game a little bit more and been more consistent in possession.
“Too many times we gave the ball away, especially when we were not under pressure, so we have to work on that.
“I am really demanding. We won 6-1 but I still need to see more from my players on the pitch, especially in possession.”
Eve Perisset rounded off a dominant display with the final Chelsea goal
Cuthbert aiming to carry winning momentum into winter break
Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert speaking to UEFA.com:
“It was a bit of a wild game, to be honest, it was always going to be that way when you make some changes. But we kept the quality throughout.
“We dipped a little bit in the second half, but that was inevitable. We played a high-pressing game, transitional – I think everyone worked so hard tonight, so credit to the team.
“Two games to go until Christmas – everyone’s got to be on it, we want to keep our 100 per cent winning record until the break.”
What’s next?
Chelsea have two more fixtures before the winter break. They travel to Leicester in the WSL on Sunday, kick-off 12pm. The Blues finish with a trip to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday December 17 to round off their group stage campaign.
