Real Madrid Femenino 2-2 Chelsea Women
Chelsea Women go into this weekend's league encounter with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge feeling bullish... and indignant.
Their dream start to their 2023-24 Champions League campaign – already being billed as Emma Hayes' swansong as she ticks off the final months of her 11-year reign – was undermined midweek by two contentious refereeing decisions.
In the end, the Blues had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid. But they will have the chance to put that result behind them when they take on Paris FC at the Bridge on Thursday evening as the games come thick and fast.
Hayes didn't hold back after Chelsea's draw in Spain, dubbing the refereeing "embarrassing" and choosing words that only a carefree, soon-to-be-gone manager might pick, rather than the cautious diplomatic gaffer of the past decade.
Humongous decisions
With no VAR in the group stage of the competition (because it involves so many clubs which simply don't have the technology), two "humongous decisions", as Hayes put it, went Madrid's way.
Yes, Jessie Fleming tripped up Anthenea del Castillo on her route to goal. But replays showed the incident was outside the area and therefore didn't merit the penalty that allowed the Spaniards back into the game.
And in stoppage time, Niamh Charles hammered home what appeared to be a late winner, only for the offside flag to incorrectly go up.
But the result is what it is. In many ways, a draw in Madrid is a creditable performance, and the Blues will harness their anger against Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime at the Bridge, while the men are on an international break. It's live on the Beeb if you can't make it along.
Robbed
And then there's more European action on Thursday, followed by a home league game at Kingsmeadow against Leicester in a week's time.
Hayes renewed her call for VAR to be used in all women's matches – domestic top-flight and Champions League. Until that day comes, frustration and fury are likely to remain part and parcel of the women's game.
"We've been robbed of what was a 3-1 game," said Hayes before the team flew back to Blighty to prepare for Saturday.
On the plus side, Charles's overall performance was simply outstanding. She is gaining confidence with every step and every game and should soon be in the England starting line-up for each international.
She scored the Blues' opener against Real Madrid, and her tireless running and intuitive positioning created chance after chance for Chelsea.
It's a joy to see her prospering; she's also one of the most modest, hard-working team members.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
