Madrid, Oct 9 (AP): Chelsea’s quest for a maiden Women's Champions League title after three successive semifinal exits began with a challenging 1-1 draw at Dutch club Twente.
Germany legend Alexandra Popp was instrumental for two-time champions Wolfsburg, leading them to a 4-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, who squandered numerous scoring opportunities in the second half.
Both Madrid teams showcased their scoring prowess, netting six goals each to round off the opening week of matches in the newly expanded league-phase format featuring 18 teams.
Real Madrid dominated at home, dismissing Roma with a 6-2 win. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid surged to a three-goal advantage within the first 22 minutes at St. Pölten, concluding with a 6-0 triumph.
Manchester United achieved a narrow 1-0 victory over Valerenga at home, thanks to captain Maya Le Tissier’s successful penalty kick in the 31st minute. This was after they became the first team to claim points from Chelsea in the English league this season.
All change for Chelsea
In a bold move, Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor altered eight players in her starting lineup. However, the English champions fell behind to a stunning effort from Twente’s captain Danique Van Ginkel, who scored in the 63rd minute with a precise curling shot from just outside the penalty area. The ball was out of Switzerland goalkeeper Livia Peng's reach, who was starting instead of England's Hannah Hampton.
Chelsea equalized in the 71st minute when France winger Sandy Baltimore converted a penalty following a clear foul. Bompastor introduced star forward Sam Kerr and 16-year-old defender Chloe Sarwie, who came close with a near-miss shot.
Chelsea remains without a European title, having fallen to Barcelona in three semifinal seasons and losing the 2021 final to them.
Top performer Popp
At age 34, Alexandra Popp continues to be a formidable force for Wolfsburg, contributing to their dual Champions League titles in 2013 and 2014. Wolfsburg took an early lead in the seventh minute against PSG, as Popp’s pressure on defender Jackie Groenen during a corner resulted in an own goal.
Ella Peddemors capitalized on a Popp assist in the 42nd minute to double the lead, and Popp herself headed in a goal in the 90th minute. Captain Janina Minge sealed the victory with a stoppage-time penalty beyond PSG's Mary Earps.
In Spain, Alba Redondo and Caroline Weir each scored twice as Real Madrid dominated the second half, overpowering Roma despite two equalizers in the first half.
In the initial games on Tuesday, Barcelona dazzled with a 7-1 victory over Bayern Munich.
The league phase concludes in December. The top four finishers advance directly to the quarterfinals, while those ranked fifth to twelfth contend in a knockout playoff round. The bottom six teams will be eliminated. AP SSC SSC
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