ᑕ❶ᑐ Vllaznia 0-4 Chelsea: Blues head to quarterfinals of Women’s Champions League

Manager Emma Hayes said Chelsea have learned from their “toughest moments” to secure a smooth qualification for the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League.

Hayes’ side remain unbeaten in the competition and lead Group A with one game to go following a routine last-minute win in Albania.

“I wouldn’t say relief is the right word. We had the opportunity to close [conversations on] Last year. The questions in and around last year’s group stage – we don’t have to answer anymore,” Hayes said.

“This team is so good at learning in the toughest moments. We understand what the group stage is in this competition and I think we have come through them very well this season. »

On a damp night in Albania, Wales midfielder Sophie Ingle gave Chelsea a 1-0 lead after 12 minutes when she struck coldly into the bottom corner from Guro Reiten’s deflected cut.

Fran Kirby doubled her lead soon after when she was slipped by Jelena Cankovic, who acted quickly and Vllaznia was slow to react from a free-kick.

Substitute Katerina Svitkova headed in the third late goal before Maren Mjelde also came off the bench to score from the penalty spot in added time.

The Blues, that beat Vllaznia 8-0 in the reverse fixture in October, he made light work of progressing to the round of 16 despite being drawn in a complicated group alongside Spanish side Real Madrid and twice French runners-up Paris St-Germain.

They were guaranteed to qualify with a draw against Vllaznia and could still go on to lose depending on results elsewhere.

But already eliminated Albania fell short of Chelsea on a rainy evening at the Loro Borici stadium, despite the hosts’ best efforts.

“Competition for seats will get even fiercer”

Hayes made six changes to the starting XI and Ingle, wearing the captain’s armband, was heavily involved in the first half, dictating play and scoring a fine first goal.

The Blues defense was rarely tested and the chances continued to dwindle as Hayes made other changes after the break.

Striker Sam Kerr had a second-half goal disallowed for offside before the lead was extended as substitutes Svitkova and Mjelde added the finishing touches.

It was another display of the Chelsea squad’s growing depth and Hayes expects competition for his side’s places to become “even fiercer” in the new year as their summer signings continue to develop.

“Our depth has always been our strength, but the quality of how we control games is now different than in previous years,” added Hayes.

“Having the depth means we can train at a higher level. There is less rotation in matches. It’s about coaching quality and ensuring players are pushed to the next level.

“You can have a great team and not necessarily good quality, but we have both. the [summer signings] it impresses me more and more and I begin to see every new player find his feet. »

Chelsea now go into their final group match against PSG next Thursday knowing their place in the bottom eight is already secured.

They will join WSL rivals Arsenal in the quarter-finals after qualifying on Thursday night despite a defeat Narrow defeat against defending champions Lyon.