Celtic 1-2 Chelsea: Women’s Champions League – as it happened
Chelsea came from behind to beat Celtic in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League last-32 tie.
Lauren James’ stunning individual goal proved decisive as the Blues secured a slender advantage ahead of next week’s second leg at Kingsmeadow.
Fran Kirby had earlier cancelled out Jacynta’s opener for Celtic, who more than matched their illustrious opponents for large periods of the game.
Emma Hayes’ side will be favourites to progress when the teams meet again in London but Celtic can take heart from a battling display that gives them hope of causing an upset.
Celtic started the game brightly and took a deserved lead in the 12th minute.
Jacynta rose highest to meet a cross from the left and her powerful header flew into the top corner, giving Ann-Katrin Berger no chance.
Celtic continued to press and should have doubled their lead when Jacynta burst clear on goal, but Berger made a superb save to keep her side in the game.
Chelsea gradually grew into the game and equalised in the 28th minute.
Kirby latched onto a through ball from James and slotted the ball past Chloe Logan in the Celtic goal.
The leveller gave Chelsea a boost and they began to dominate possession.
James’ winner came in the 55th minute.
The England international picked up the ball in her own half and drove forward, evading several Celtic challenges before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.
Celtic had chances to level late on, but Berger was in inspired form and made several excellent saves to preserve Chelsea’s lead.
The result leaves Chelsea in a strong position ahead of the second leg.
However, Celtic will take heart from their performance and will believe that they can turn the tie around in London.
Here are the highlights from the match:
- Celtic took a shock lead in the 12th minute through Jacynta.
- Chelsea equalised in the 28th minute through Kirby.
- James’ stunning individual goal proved decisive in the 55th minute.
- Berger made several excellent saves to preserve Chelsea’s lead.
- The result leaves Chelsea in a strong position ahead of the second leg.
