Chelsea beat Roma 2-0 in the Women’s Champions League to maintain their unbeaten start to the league phase, with Ellie Carpenter and Kadeisha Buchanan scoring in the second half.
Lauren James and Alyssa Thompson were withdrawn at half-time after Chelsea failed to make the most of their opportunities before the interval. The changes helped transform the contest, with Carpenter opening the scoring six minutes after coming on.
Melvine Malard and Sjoeke Nusken missed chances to extend Chelsea’s lead, but Buchanan settled the match with a minute of normal time remaining. The defender rose highest to head in Wieke Kaptein’s cross.
The victory briefly takes Chelsea to the top of the table. Hacken, Paris Saint-Germain and Leuven are still to come in their final three league-phase fixtures.
Carpenter says Chelsea responded to finishing concerns
Carpenter said coach Bompastor had demanded greater efficiency after Chelsea’s wasteful first half.
“First half we struggled to score but we had good opportunities and at half-time the coach said we need to put away our chances. I just tried to help the team attack, go forward and get shots off,” she told Disney+.
“I’m happy I did and scored and helped the team get three points tonight.”
Carpenter, who plays at right-back, added: “I love getting forward. I love helping this team defend, attack, score goals, win, so just do everything for the team.”
