Chelsea came away with a crucial victory over holders Lyon in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final in France.
Guro Reiten’s brilliant curling finish put Chelsea 1-0 up in the first half after Scotland’s Erin Cuthbert won the ball and skilfully teed her up.
Eight-time champions Lyon controlled most of the first half but were punished for missed opportunities.
Chelsea’s Lauren James and Lyon’s Delphine Cascarino both hit the post.
Having been knocked out by Lyon in the semi-finals in 2019, Chelsea arrived in France well aware of the difficult task facing them in their pursuit of a last four spot.
Lyon, who have progressed from 12 of their 13 quarter-finals, imposed their dominance early on, creating several chances for striker Eugenie Le Sommer which she could not convert.
Chelsea then demonstrated their ruthlessness in front of goal as Reiten’s curling shot – their first on target – nestled in the far corner, before James rattled the post shortly afterwards.
The game opened up in the second half as Lyon pushed for an equaliser and Cascarino almost provided it when she struck the woodwork but Chelsea still posed a threat on the counter-attack.
Emma Hayes’ side have the advantage in the second leg at Stamford Bridge next Thursday but there will be concern for key England centre-back Millie Bright, who went off injured before half-time and will have a scan on Thursday morning.
