In an exciting start to the 2024-25 Women’s Champions League, Roma secured a stunning 1-0 victory against two-time champions Wolfsburg, while Chelsea triumphed over Real Madrid in a dramatic 3-2 match. Meanwhile, record eight-time winners Lyon comfortably dispatched tournament debutants Galatasaray 3-0 on Tuesday.
Roma’s impressive performance at Tre Fontane Stadium marked a significant turnaround for the team. Which finished at the bottom of its group in last season’s competition. “It’s a huge victory, a result that we wanted at all costs,” said Roma coach Alessandro Spugna. “I think it is our best (result) in Europe. We delivered an intelligent performance, understanding the game and managing the difficult moments well.”
In Group A, Lyon showcased their dominance, with all three goals coming from headers. France international Kadidiatou Diani scored two goals, demonstrating her aerial prowess. Diani opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a header from a cross by Mali winger Tabitha Chawinga. Who later assisted Vanessa Gilles for Lyon’s second just before halftime.
Galatasaray goalkeeper Gamze Yaman made several key saves to keep the match competitive. But Diani sealed the win in the 77th minute, heading in a cross from Amel Majri. Ada Hegerberg, the all-time leading scorer in the competition, nearly added to her tally with a header that glanced wide in stoppage time.
In Chelsea’s thrilling encounter at Stamford Bridge, the English side took an early lead when Sjoeke Nüsken capitalized on a challenge for a cross from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, forcing the ball into the net in the second minute. Guro Reiten then doubled the lead with a well-taken penalty after a foul by Madrid defender Sheila Garcia.
Despite Chelsea’s 3-1 lead, a late surge from Madrid made for a nervy finish. Alba Redondo pulled one back for the visitors just before halftime, and Mayra Ramírez restored Chelsea’s two-goal advantage early in the second half. However, Linda Caicedo scored in the 84th-minute, setting up a tense conclusion that saw Chelsea hold on for the win.
In another Group B match, Dutch side Twente defeated Celtic 2-0, with midfielder Kayleigh van Dooren scoring twice.
As the tournament progresses, the focus shifts to Wednesday, when reigning champions Barcelona begin their title defense against Manchester City. Meanwhile, Arsenal faces a challenging away match against German champions Bayern Munich in Group C, with Norwegian club Vålerenga hosting Juventus in another Group C fixture.
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