Lauren James see late penalty decision overturned by VAR as Chelsea play goalless draw away to last season Women's Champions League finalists and eight-time winners Lyon.
James initially appear say Damaris Egurrola bring am down inside Lyon box with only minutes remaining. Referee Marta Huerta de Aza first give penalty, but she overturn her decision after she consult VAR review monitor.
Both sides fit win game for Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Ada Hegerberg force Hannah Hampton into superb full-length save in added time.
Until that point, both sides struggle to create clear-cut chances in south of France. Substitute James arguably most guilty of wasting one of few significant opportunities when she fire straight at Maria Grohs from Alyssa Thompson pull back.
Beyond that, there was little to separate sides who both appear content to settle for draw in Sonia Bompastor first return to her former side, who she win Champions League with in 2022.
Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor on Paramount Plus talk say: ‘Coming into the game, we knew the tactics would be important both on and off the ball. We had a plan and I’m really happy with our performance on the ball. We exploited many positions on the pitch and behind the back line. We created enough to win the game, so we’re a bit disappointed. With the quality of Lauren James, her chance should have gone in but it happens. It’s early in the season. Playing against Sunday on Arsenal was a good thing, but we couldn’t prepare for this the way we wanted to with fresh legs and tactically. The team is together, right now, which is really important. The players understand what we want to do.’
Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze tell Disney+ say: ‘We dominated possession, but it’s a fair result. They had some good counter-attacking moments, they were on top at the end but that’s what happens when two top teams play against each other. A draw for both teams, at this time of the season, is probably not the worst thing. We worked our socks off and I’m just proud of every single player, especially considering we played a very difficult game three days ago [against Arsenal].’
Former England footballer Lianne Sanderson on Disney+ believe Sonia Bompastor go happy with result. She say one point na fair result. Plenty hugs, handshakes and respect between teams on field. Lyon manager Jonatan Giraldez look downcast, he know this result better for visitors.
Lianne Sanderson also talk about one late Chelsea chance. She say it agonisingly wide and na lovely touch from Maika Hamano in that moment. She say it unlucky for Chelsea who dey push in last 10 minutes. This game get everything apart from goals.
For dying moments, Wieke Kaptein deliver low cross from left, Maika Hamano meet am at near post six yards out but she only fit steer shot across face of goal and wide.
Hannah Hampton also show strong stuff for Chelsea. She seem set to go off after heavy collision with Tabitha Chawinga in final minutes. Lucy Bronze make international signal of ‘make a sub, gaffer’, like Hampton don break arm or worse. But Hampton, minutes after world-class save, still okay to continue. She grin and give apologetic Tabitha Chawinga high-five before play resume. She love battle, na so Chelsea keeper be.
Chelsea prevent Lyon scoring for first time in 20 Champions League games. Without VAR, and with better finishing, Chelsea fit win am. Into 10th minute of added time, you no go get many more enthralling goalless draws than this.
Vicky Becho see shot blocked, ball run free and Hannah Hampton bravely collect before Tabitha Chawinga clatter her. Chelsea have to fight for this point. Lianne Sanderson call Hampton save beautiful. She say Ada Hegerberg na one of best headers in world.
Arsenal and Chelsea both get four points from two Champions League games, but dem go feel different about am based on how their games go tonight. Arsenal currently above Chelsea in top four places on goals scored.
