Playing just 24 hours after the United States confirmed the appointment of Hayes as their new women’s national team head coach from next summer, the 47-year-old’s team were beginning their bid to try and reach May’s final in Bilbao.
Getting there, however, is going to be extremely difficult as was evident in the opening 10 minutes as a high-tempo Real Madrid side played with real intensity and took the lead through left-back Carmona, whose goal in the World Cup final in August saw Spain beat England. Her strike deflected heavily off Chelsea centre-back Millie Bright to deceive Ann-Katrin Berger.
Chelsea responded very strongly, though, and grew into the game before equalising when they finished off a slick team move following 20 passes in the build-up. Sam Kerr was also twice denied by strong saves from Real goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez. The WSL side spent the vast majority of the second half camped in Real’s territory and struck the crossbar in the closing stages through Lauren James’ vicious effort, before Charles had a stoppage-time winner agonisingly ruled out for offside.
Match details
Real Madrid Femenino (4-2-3-1): Misa 7; Oihane 6, Ivana 6, Kathellen 6, Carmona 8; Toletti 6, Abelleira 7; Del Castillo 7, Zornoza 6 (Maite Oroz 6, 60), Caicedo 6; Bruun 6 (Feller 6, 71).
Subs not used: Chavas (gk), Tellez (gk), Kenti Robles, Rocio, Raso, Moller, Svava, Olofsson, Olaya, Sara Lopez.
Booked: Toletti.
Chelsea Women (4-2-3-1): Berger 6; Lawrence 7, Bright 6, Carter 6, Charles 8; Cuthbert 7, Nusken 7; Rytting Kaneryd 6, Kirby 6 (James 7, 64), Fleming 7; Kerr 7.
Subs not used: Musovic (gk), Hampton (gk), Fishel, Nouwen, Ingle, Perisset, Mjelde, Buchanan, Cankovic, Beever-Jones.
Referee: Frida Klarlund (Denmark).
Attendance: 2,913.
