Chelsea, Lyon win easily in Women’s Champions League

Chelsea moved to the top of their Women’s Champions League group with a 3-1 victory over Twente on Thursday, while record eight-time winners Lyon triumphed against Wolfsburg.

Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea, still in pursuit of their first Champions League title after reaching four semi-finals and a final since 2018, secured their second win in Group B, following their victory over Real Madrid in the opener.

The reigning five-time English champions took an early lead through rising star Agnes Beever-Jones, who scored her first goal in the competition.

Japanese forward Maika Hamano then doubled their advantage with a long-range strike that caught Twente’s goalkeeper, Olivia Clark, off her line.

Chelsea extended their lead in the second half with Guro Reiten converting a penalty, before Nikee van Dijk netted a consolation goal for Twente.

Chelsea have enjoyed a strong start to their first season under new management, following the departure of long-serving coach Emma Hayes, who is now the manager of the United States national team. They have also won their first three Women’s Super League matches.

Earlier in the day, Real Madrid bounced back from their loss to Chelsea by thrashing Celtic 4-0.

Scotland international Caroline Weir opened the scoring for Real Madrid with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box. It took until the 72nd minute for Signe Bruun to head in the second goal, followed by a long-range lob from substitute Caroline Moller for the third. Colombian star Linda Caicedo sealed the win with a penalty.

Real Madrid, aiming to avoid a third consecutive group-stage exit, now sit in second place, above Twente on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Lyon made it two wins from two in Group A with a 2-0 victory over two-time champions Wolfsburg.

French centre-back Wendie Renard opened the scoring in the eighth minute, and US Olympic gold medallist Lindsey Horan added a second from the penalty spot in the second half.

Last season’s runners-up Lyon are currently behind Roma in the standings on goal difference, with a trip to face the Italian side in November.

Roma continued their excellent form with a 6-1 win over tournament debutants Galatasaray in Istanbul, with six different players on the scoresheet.