After a goalless draw with the Swedes at Stamford Bridge last week, the English side took control of Group D with victory in Gothenburg
When Chelsea landed in Gothenburg ahead of their Women's Champions League clash with Hacken, they could've been forgiven for feeling a little uneasy. After all, it was right here, two and a half years ago, that they suffered their biggest heartbreak, defeated 4-0 in their first European final by Barcelona. But they at least created some fond memories in the Swedish city on Wednesday as a 3-1 win saw them wrestle control of Group D from their hosts, just six days after the pair played out what was, for Chelsea, a disappointing stalemate at Stamford Bridge.
There was an incredible lack of entertainment in that meeting in London last week but that wasn't the case in Gothenburg, with action at both ends of the pitch making this a lively affair that either side looked capable of winning. Hacken knew that victory would send them into the knockout rounds and they hit the bar in the opening minutes, after some gorgeous footwork by Rosa Kafaji, who ranked 11th in GOAL's 2022 NXGN list, allowed Clarissa Larisey to find Anna Anvegard with a cross, but her superb first-time effort cannoned back off the woodwork.
It was Chelsea who took the lead instead, as winger Johanna Rytting Kaneryd came back to haunt her former team when her fantastic work down the right allowed Sam Kerr to produce a truly special finish to break the deadlock. The Swedish side continued to threaten and did equalise before half-time. Monica Jusu Bah was released in behind and able to pick out Larisey to finish, but Erin Cuthbert's arrowed strike put the Blues back ahead in the second half and the win rarely looked in doubt from there, with the Scot even able to net another to make sure.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from the Bravida Arena…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Zecira Musovic (6/10):
Quick off her line to thwart a promising Hacken attack just before half-time. Didn't have much else to do.
Ashley Lawrence (6/10):
Completely exposed by the pace of Jusu Bah for the equaliser. Got forward well, though, to be an asset in the attack.
Jess Carter (5/10):
Allowed Larisey to get goal-side to beat her to Jusu Bah's cross and level the scores. Had a couple of shaky moments, too.
Kadeisha Buchanan (7/10):
Won the ball back a lot and showed real class in possession.
Niamh Charles (6/10):
Another solid display from her at both ends of the pitch. Caused problems and created chances in the final third.
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Sophie Ingle (6/10):
Only a fantastic stop from Jennifer Falk denied her a great goal before the break. Created openings with some nice passes, including an assist for Cuthbert before being brought off just before the hour.
Erin Cuthbert (9/10):
Another superb all-round performance from a midfielder in fine form. Her goals won the game.
Lauren James (7/10):
Some really nice moments, forcing Falk into a couple of strong saves.
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Johanne Rytting Kaneryd (8/10):
Fantastic work to create the opening goal. Pressed well and carved out a lot of opportunities for team-mates.
Sam Kerr (7/10):
World-class finish to break the deadlock. Movement was excellent.
Guro Reiten (5/10):
Not her liveliest game, though understandably so as she continues her return from injury.
Subs & Manager
Sjoeke Nusken (6/10):
Came on before the hour mark in Sweden and kept things ticking over nicely in midfield.
Jessie Fleming (6/10):
Introduced at the same time as Nusken. Got into good positions in the final third and kept the ball well.
Mia Fishel (N/A):
Replaced Kerr with less than 20 minutes remaining.
Aggie Beever-Jones (N/A):
Only on for the final few minutes.
Emma Hayes (8/10):
Made some tweaks after last week's disappointing stalemate against the same opponent and they worked. Chelsea were much more creative and threatening as a result, and able to get all three points.
