Chelsea won 3-2 against Real Madrid in their Champions League opener at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Sjoeke Nusken and Guro Reiten put the Blues ahead 2-0, but Alba Redondo equalized before halftime. Mayra Ramirez, who previously played for Levante, scored Chelsea’s third goal, and Linda Caicedo came off the bench to make it 3-2 late on. Madrid suffered their first defeat of the season.

Menu Chelsea beat Madrid in Champions League opener. Updated: Tuesday, October 8, 2024 22:59 Sjoeke Nusken put Chelsea ahead at Stamford Bridge. Sjoeke Nusken put Chelsea ahead at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea launched their Champions League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. Sjoeke Nusken and Guro Reiten gave the Blues a 2-0 lead, but Alba Redondo equalized for the visitors before halftime. Mayra Ramirez, who played for Spanish club Levante from 2022 to 2024, scored Chelsea’s third goal, and despite Linda Caicedo coming off the bench to make it 3-2 late on, Madrid suffered their first defeat of the season. Sonia Bompastor’s side went into the game with a strong following.

The ball was played into the box, and when Baltimore failed to clear her lines, the loose ball dropped to Redondo, who hammered her close-range shot past Zecira Musovic’s legs. The Blues refused to sit back and defend their lead, and came out in the second half determined to add a third. It came in the 53rd minute, when Lauren James moved away from her centre position to the right and sent in a cross for Ramirez to nod over Misa’s head and into the net. Nusken proved crucial to Chelsea’s victory on the night. The versatile German was positioned in the midst of midfield and her quality touch, weight of pass, and instinct to win the ball were high.