Chelsea face Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in Women’s Champions League opener – live

This is the third year in a row in which Chelsea have met Stamford Bridge in the Women’s Champions League group stages.

Last year, Chelsea drew 2-2 in Madrid before beating the Spanish side 2-1 at Stamford Bridge as they went through as group winners.

It was a season to forget for Real Madrid, who lost five of their six games and crashed out behind BK Hacken and Paris FC.

And in 2022-23, Chelsea also progressed as group winners, beating Real Madrid at home and earning an away win in Madrid.

With four games without a win against Chelsea, Real Madrid will be out to end that run tonight.

Sonia Bompastor takes charge of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for the first time, and in a competition where she has fond memories.

The Frenchwoman is the only person to win the Women’s Champions League as both a player and a coach and said:

“It’s a really special competition, which means a lot to every player and every member of staff.

“We are really excited to get started, especially as the first game is at home at Stamford Bridge. I’m really excited because I’m in the Chelsea dugout and I’m the Chelsea manager.

“I can’t wait to be in that position, to enjoy the game and to be out there with the players and the fans.”

Scotland international Caroline Weir has returned to action for Real Madrid after missing almost a year with an ACL injury.

Linda Caicedo and Alba Redondo should return to the starting line-up following the 1-0 win over Valencia on Friday night, while Melanie Leupolz should start against her former side having left Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Chelsea have not had a competitive game for 10 days after last weekend’s home match against Manchester United was postponed. Sonia Bompastor remains without several long-term absentees, though, including Sam Kerr, Mia Fishel, Sophie Ingle, and Niamh Charles.

Mayra Ramirez could return to lead the line, but the competition for places among the forward positions is fierce. Kadeisha Buchanan may return to partner Millie Bright in defence.

The Champions League fixture will kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 8 October at Stamford Bridge.

Matches in this season’s Women’s Champions League will be broadcast live and free on streaming platform DAZN and their YouTube channel throughout the world.

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The Blues, semi-finalists in each of the last two seasons, are looking to make the next step in Europe and have turned to a proven winner in Bompastor following the departure of Emma Hayes.

The Frenchwoman has won the Champions League as both a player and a coach with Lyon, and was beaten in last year’s final by Barcelona while still in charge of the French club.

Chelsea have drawn Real Madrid, Celtic and FC Twente in Group B and have won both of their first two games this season, with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa and a 7-0 victory at Crystal Palace.

Real Madrid have won their first five games of the season in Liga Feminin and will be looking to get out of the group stages this season. The Spanish side also faced Chelsea in the groups last season, but finished bottom and were winless.