Chelsea Women crossed into the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday afternoon, hammering Wolfsburg Women 3-0 on the day and beating 5-1.
The Blues were on the back early 25 minutes, but were awarded a penalty after the game, when Sam Kerr was fouled just inside the box, and Pernille Harder stopped the resulting girl kick to give the visitors a decisive away goal.
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It’s @ SamKerr1 again !! ? #CFCW #UWCL pic.twitter.com/3rV8SBAY6F
– Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) March 31, 2021
Ewa Pajor equalized almost immediately, but her sliding effort was just wide of the post. And her miss was punished for 32 minutes, when Kerr took the ball with his back to goal, swung and fired low into the near post to stun the hosts.
Chelsea had good control of the battle on the way into the second half and frustrated Wolfsburg with a determined initial 15 minutes, while they looked extremely dangerous on counterattack. Despite the hosts’ desperate need for goals, they barely threatened the bluesback line, and Fran Kirby put the finishing touches on the scoreboard with a nice strike when he was clean through the goal.
Let’s check out the players’ ratings from a huge afternoon of Champions League action.
Acrobatics | ISTVAN HUSZTI / Getty Images
Ann-Katrin Berger (GK) – 7/10 – Continued his fantastic form by confidently picking a couple of deep deliveries with ease early on. Later clapped at a cross, although the ball took a cruel deflection on its travels. Had surprisingly little to do when it comes to shooting stops.
Jess Carter (RB) – 8/10 – Took early in a 50-50 challenge but managed to continue the soldier. Grew into the game, nipped in to gain possession and fly up on the right flank. Defended crosses against her post with important stretch heads.
Millie Bright (CB) – 8/10 – Defended on the forefoot, won the ball aggressively from behind and carried possession in midfield. Harassed the Wolfsburg strikers when Chelsea got the game.
Magdalena Eriksson (CB) – 8/10 – Produced an important goal line clearance when Berger missed a cross. Cut out a couple of evil supplies in the box. Majestic and commanding screen that leads Chelsea through the choppy water at first.
Jonna Andersson (LB) – 7/10 – Deal with Huth’s tricks, and limit Wolfsburg’s danger down that wing. Not asked to do much attack, given Kerr’s influence on that side.
Ingle received assistance for others | David Balogh / Getty Images
Fran Kirby (RM) – 8/10 – Recovered possession fantastically for the second goal, carries the ball and waits for the right pass to emerge. An extremely intelligent player in possession. Picked up a yellow card just before the hour mark. Fantastic, composed finish to finish the score.
Melanie Leupolz (CM) – 7/10 – Put the covers on countless times and compete back to help the back line. Kept the game in motion and did not give Wolfsburg any time in possession. Sophie Ingle (CM) – 8/10 – Sent back to cut a ball right into the box. Curled a fantastic pass into the middle of Kerr, who turned and kicked home the other.
Erin Cuthbert (LM) – 7/10 – Lost possession in dangerous positions on a couple of occasions, but effectively eliminated Huth’s threat on that flank. Looked to get the ball in Kerr as much as possible – great idea.
Celebration time | PETER KOHALMI / Getty Images
Pernille Harder (ST) – 8/10 – Produced the exact counter-attack ball to release Kerr to win the penalty and then buried the spot kick surgically, despite Kiedrzynek’s thinking.
Sam Kerr (ST) – 9/10 – Always on the lookout to feed Kirby and produce a brilliant pass to his teammate, but it just lacked the legs to glide through. Won the penalty with outstanding pace and anticipation, then doubled the lead with a stunning display of brilliant control and her clinical nature to give the Wolfsburg goalkeeper no chance. A live wire and a constant threat until she is replaced after an hour.
Subbed on | David Balogh / Getty Images
Guro Riding (CM) – 6/10
Jessie Fleming (ST) – 7/10
Ji So-yun (AM) – 8/10
Drew Spence (CM) – 6/10
