Defender Millie Bright had rejected suggestions of a slump in the wake of a end of an unbeaten run, and a overwhelming half-dozen goal triumph in their second-to-last UCL group game was the perfect response.
Early Own Goal Gives Chelsea the Lead
An unfortunate deflection from a Roma defender opened the scoring of Roma in the first half, with further goals scored by Sjoeke Nüsken, Maika Hamano.
Manchester United’s loss and a key draw late equalizer meant Chelsea climbing to third place, within touching distance of skipping the playoffs to the UCL quarter-finals.
Fresh Legs and a Fast Beginning
Returning to the starting lineup since last month, the defender was one of multiple rotations to the side that fell to Everton at the weekend.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea started brightly. A chance from Sandy Baltimore was off target in the opening minutes.
Despite a disappointing Champions League campaign, Roma showed early signs to make a statement, with their right side looking effective.
Chelsea Take Control
The opener was a hammer blow for the visiting team. Control shifted decisively Chelsea's way, and it was 2-0 before the half-hour, with the young midfielder firing in after a clever dummy from the Swedish winger.
A merited advantage was stretched shortly before halftime, the Swede reacting fastest after the keeper had kept out an close-range attempt.
Relentless Pursuit
After the interval, a penalty was dispatched by Sjoeke Nüsken to make it four-nil.
The team continued to press in their search for more goals, with the WSL setback perhaps providing motivation.
- Lexi Potter went near to scoring on her third senior appearance, forcing a good stop from the Roma keeper.
- The next strike came after a driving run exploited a disorganized defense.
- The sixth and final goal was a cross from the experienced full-back that swept in at the back stick.
Job Done
With the result and other results going their way, Chelsea seized the initiative of their fate to secure a knockout stage spot.
A decisive trip away to European giants Wolfsburg now represents the final hurdle for Chelsea and an direct passage to the next round.
