Advertising
For help, call:
The heyday of Emma Hayes’ dynasty is fast approaching and they just need a way for that heyday to come. There is still a long way to go before Chelsea can ensure that their last game is the final one of the Champions League, but the way they won the first leg of the quarter-finals against Ajax showed that they would be runners-up.
It wasn’t pretty; In fact, it wasn’t easy, but that’s the part. Chelsea were put to the test, struggled to find their most productive rhythm, but were patient and paid off.
It was Ajax who had the better outing on Tuesday, buoyed by a record crowd for a women’s match in the Netherlands, their voice at home and the awareness that they had something to prove.
The fact is that Ajax is well on its way to setting up the footballing skill factory that has long made this club stand out in men’s football. The fact that their brightest ability has come in the form of 16-year-old Lily Yohannes is a sign that this is starting to be true for the women’s team as well.
Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton struggled when she chased her down in the opening minutes, slacking off as she looked to clear, but Ajax may simply not take advantage of that.
It didn’t take long for them to open the scoring either, with Romee Leuchter hitting the post as Chelsea faced a nervous start.
Still, the hosts’ momentum on their big night didn’t last, as an absolutely amateur mistake gave Chelsea the lead and opened the doors for Hayes’ side to show their superiority.
They showed their maturity with the first goal. Ajax were absolutely extinct, and Milicia Keijzer didn’t bother to follow Lauren James’ adventure with the Chelsea striker probably offside. The fact that Ajax’s entire defense stood still as they coolly outplayed Regina van Eijk gave the impression that they were.
The challenge was that James hadn’t timed his race; on the contrary, he had timed it perfectly. An early offside signal gave home fans a moment of jubilation, but the clever resolution via VAR to give Les Bleus the lead temporarily deteriorated. the atmosphere.
No moment better sums up the difference between those groups than the first goal. Blowing the whistle is an undeniable resolution for Chelsea; Somehow, it doesn’t seem to have crossed Ajax’s mind.
VAR came to the hosts’ aid by disallowing a goal from Guro Reiten a short time later. Sjoeke Nusken deemed he was in an offside position and interfered with play as Reiten shot, but that conceded another moment when Ajax missed.
Chelsea were denied their moment, but it didn’t last long. Reiten and Nusken combined a few minutes later, and Nusken won the exact pitch of the former. Defender Kadeisha Buchanan made a turn from Cruyff to set up the move in the arena named after the Dutch legend. The icing on the cake.
The visitors’ moment dealt the fatal blow to Ajax, with a two-goal deficit that made the reaction insurmountable. His fluid pass evaporated, Chasity Grant no longer seemed able to turn the tables on Chelsea’s full-backs.
This is a team that had beaten Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Roma reduced to try to prevent the deficit from widening. Even that is not possible.
With the early struggles and a merit of two goals acting as a cushion, Chelsea were much more comfortable and held the ball better, getting rid of any chance of Ajax gaining a foothold.
While Chelsea were still not dazzled in the second half, their path to victory became regular and the victory was sweetened by a second goal from Nusken, who headed in a cross from Catarina Macario to close the scoring.
It is also evident that Chelsea have maintained their intensity given that they are in the middle of 8 games in March and still have to settle for a depleted squad.
The British signing Mayra Ramirez was not fit, Millie Bright would possibly not return until the international break, Nusken is someone who has had to play in central defence in recent weeks to fill the gaps. The agenda is busy, but they go up to the occasion.
Hayes was blunt in summarizing what separates the groups and highlighted what makes the difference for Chelsea.
“I think we’ve proven our expertise,” he said. Calm, serene, even when not perfect, we keep a cool head and intelligent discipline. I think that’s the big difference tonight. “
Although there is still a second leg against Ajax before a semi-final probably against champions Barcelona, the fact that they won 3-0 makes the second leg just a formality.
Winning the Champions League is still a remote prospect, but it’s getting closer and closer.
Add in her consistency in the Women’s Super League, her control of the effects in Europe, her ability to cope with a tight schedule and her excellence in all competitions and you have a promising recipe for success.
Advertising
Advertising
Advertising
Advertising
Advertising
Advertising
Advertising
Advertising
Advertising
Advertising