Chelsea opened their Women’s Champions League campaign with a 3-2 win over Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge.
Sonia Bompastor’s side made a dream start as Sjoeke Nusken’s header deflected in and Guro Reiten doubled their lead from the penalty spot.
Real Madrid pulled one back before half time through Alba Redondo but Mayra Ramirez’s header restored Cheslea’s advantage after the break.
Linda Caicedo came off the bench to pull another back for the visitors, but Chelsea held on to claim their third home victory in a row over Real Madrid.
Follow updates from Chelsea vs Real Madrid in the Women’s Champions League in tonight’s live blog, below
Chelsea vs Real Madrid LIVE: Latest Women’s Champions League updates
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FULL TIME! Chelsea 3-2 Real Madrid | Blues hold on to claim win
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83’ GOAL! Linda Caicedo scrambles in for Madrid (3-2)
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52’ GOAL! Ramirez header loops in from James cross (3-1)
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39’ GOAL! Alba Redondo pulls one back for Madrid (2-1)
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27’ GOAL! Guro Reiten tucks away penalty to double lead (2-0)
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2’ GOAL! Chelsea make fast start as Nusken’s header deflects in (1-0)
Full-Time: Chelsea 3-2 Real Madrid
22:00 , Will Castle
Chelsea hold on for a nervy final 10 minutes to see of Real Madrid in the Champions League for a third year in a row.
After goals from Guro Reiten and Sjoeke Nusken gave the Blues a 2-1 advantage going into the break, Mayra Ramirez bagged her first goal in a Chelsea shirt to give the hosts a commanding lead for much of the second period.
Linda Caicedo got one back with seven minutes of normal time to play, ensuring a nail-biting end to what had largely been an assured outing for Chelsea.
However, Sonia Bompastor’s side were able to see out the result, kicking off their Champions League campaignin winning fashion.
Chelsea 3-2 Real Madrid
21:56 , Will Castle
90+4 mins: Chelsea with everyone back behind the ball.
Angeldahl gets in space down the left but is forced to play it backwards, and in trying to find Caicedo, Carmona overhits her pass and puts it out for a goal kick.
That could be it.
Chelsea 3-2 Real Madrid
21:54 , Will Castle
90+2 mins: Beever-Jones intercepts in the middle of the park to earn a rowdy cheer from the crowd.
However, they’ve gifted possession back to the visitors, giving them scope for maybe one more opportunity.
Chelsea 3-2 Real Madrid
21:53 , Will Castle
90 mins: Rush of blood from substitute Hernandez, who wastes a set-play opportunity by going for the spectacular from 40 yards out.
Four added minutes for Chelsea to hold on.
Chelsea 3-2 Real Madrid
21:51 , Will Castle
88 mins: Chelsea had this game in cruise control, but it’s going to be nail-biting few minutes as they look to make it three wins in three seasons against Real Madrid.
They’ve got a free-kick which acts as a moment of respite, allowing both teams to make some changes.
James off for Mpome for Chelsea, Weir and Garcia off for Moller and Hernandez for Real Madrid.
Chelsea 3-2 Real Madrid
21:49 , Will Castle
86 mins: Real Madrid are searching for an equaliser and are piling pressure on the Chelsea goal.
A free-kick from the left finds the head of a woman in orange, but luckily for Musovic, this effort is straight down the throat.
GOAL! Chelsea 3-2 Real Madrid
21:47 , Will Castle
83 mins: GOAL! Well, well, well.
Real Madrid have one back with seven minutes to go, and things have got a lot more tense inside the Bridge.
An error from Bright in the tackle allows the ball to be slipped through to Weir, whose effort beats Musovic but is cleared off the line by Bronze – only for the rebound to fall right into the path of Caicedo, who taps in.
This one is not over the line just yet.
Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid
21:43 , Will Castle
81 mins: Bronze holds off the pressure of Caicedo, who was chasing down a cross that was hit too deep.
She does well to win a goal kick for the hosts.
Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid
21:42 , Will Castle
79 mins: Bjorn makes a foray forward from centre-half and tries to play in Beever-Jones, but her through pass trickles out for a goal kick.
Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid
21:39 , Will Castle
75 mins: Chelsea back in the final third as James aims for the top corner, clipping the outside of the side netting with a powerful effort.
Changes for both sides – Real Madrid switch things up top by introducing Navarro and Feller for Redondo and Athenea, while Rytting Kaneryd makes way for Jean-Francois in blue.
Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid
21:36 , Will Castle
71 mins: Caicedo once again at the forefront of Real Madrid’s efforts as she marauds forward on the counter and wins a corner.
Former Gunners star Catherine Weir whips in a delivery which is met by Redondo, with her flick bypassing everyone as it flashes across the face of the goal.
That could’ve gone anywhere. You have to take that as a missed chance for Real.
Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid
21:31 , Will Castle
69 mins: Linda Caicedo, who is earning quite a few admirers as one for the future, gets a run at Lucy Bronze but her efforts come to no avail.
She looks a bright spark.
Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid
21:29 , Will Castle
66 mins: Triple change for the hosts.
Lawrence, Hamano and highly-rated forward Beever-Jones are onto the field as Baltimore, Kaptein and Ramirez make way.
A good night for Ramirez, who has a first Chelsea goal to her name.
Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid
21:28 , Will Castle
64 mins: James curls another delivery into the area for Ramirez to meet, but this time the striker can only head over the bar.
Seconds pass and James is at the centre of Chelsea’s attacking exploits once again, fizzing it in towards Reiten who goes down in the box and half-heartedly appeals for foul play. Any claims are swiftly waved away.
Chelsea want to wrap this one up.
Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid
21:26 , Will Castle
63 mins: First change of the evening as Teresa makes way for Linda Caicedo.
Teresa just got a booking so you can see Real Madrid’s thinking.
Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid
21:22 , Will Castle
61 mins: Cross-field ball towards Shei Garcia threatens to stretch Chelsea and allow an orange shirt get a run at goal.
However, a leaping Baltimore does just enough to force Garcia backwards and stifle the attack.
Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid
21:20 , Will Castle
59 mins: Nervy moment for Millie Bright as the Chelsea captain slightly underhits a backpass towards her keeper.
Luckily, Musovic is alert to the danger and gets there first.
Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid
21:18 , Will Castle
56 minutes: That third goal has acted to settle down any nerves Chelsea may have had of an imminent Real Madrid comeback going into the interval.
They’re playing with a lot of ease, making Real do the running.
Lauren James is really getting into the swing of things, putting in another dangerous delivery from the right and forcing a corner.
GOAL! Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid
21:16 , Will Castle
53 mins: GOAL! Chelsea have daylight once again!
A pinpoint cross from Lauren James is latched onto by Ramirez, whose looping header has too much height for Misa to deal with.
The Real Madrid stopper can only parry into the roof of her own net, with Ramirez bagging her first goal in a Chelsea shirt.
Chelsea 2-1 Real Madrid
21:13 , Will Castle
52 mins: Reiten gets into space on the left-hand side of the box but her delivery is cut out.
Assured start by the Blues.
Chelsea 2-1 Real Madrid
21:11 , Will Castle
50 mins: Chelsea trying to put the pressure right back onto Real after their strong finish to the first half.
Lauren James whips in a deep corner but Caroline Weir heads clear.
Chelsea 2-1 Real Madrid
21:09 , Will Castle
47 mins: Chelsea looking for another quick start in the second-half as Baltimore gets the better of her opposite number down the left.
The ball gets pulled back and played into Ramirez on the penalty spot, who turns but doesn’t take the ball with her.
Moments later, Kaptein tries a shot from range which gets blocked.
Chelsea 2-1 Real Madrid
21:06 , Will Castle
46 mins: Real Madrid get us back underway.
All to play for here.
Half-Time: Chelsea 2-1 Real Madrid
21:03 , Will Castle
Half-Time: Chelsea 2-1 Real Madrid
20:58 , Will Castle
Chelsea will go into the dressing room with cautious optimism as they lead Real Madrid 2-1 at half-time of their Champions League opener.
The Blues got off to a dream start as Sjoeke Nusken’s deflected header dribbled beyond Misa’s reach to open the scoring inside two minutes.
Real then began to grow into the game, enjoying the better chances for much of the opening half an hour.
However, after Nusken was fouled in the box as defenders tried to deal with a difficult bouncing ball, Las Blancas saw their deficit doubled on 28 minutes through a Guro Reiten penalty.
With seven minutes of the half to go, Real got their goal as Alba Redondo fired through the legs of Musovic, making it anyone’s game going into the second 45.
Chelsea 2-1 Real Madrid
20:52 , Will Castle
45+1 mins: Mendez throws her body in the way of a viscious Lauren James shot, getting the wind knocked out of her.
That’ll be the last action of the half.
Chelsea 2-1 Real Madrid
20:50 , Will Castle
45 mins: One minute of added time as Millie Bright has the ball in acres of space in the centre circle.
Chelsea 2-1 Real Madrid
20:49 , Will Castle
42 mins: Just like that, this game has really opened up.
Play is being stretched and Real Madrid are looking to take advantage while momentum is on their side, breaking forward immediately from kick-off in search of an equaliser.
Las Blancas will feel this is the least they deserve, having enjoyed the greater share of chances.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-1 Real Madrid
20:46 , Will Castle
39 mins: GOAL! Just when it seems nothing is getting through for Real Madrid, everything falls into place!
It’s pinball stuff in the box as Real get the ball into a danger area. It falls to Shei Garcia, whose shot deflects into the path of Alba Redondo to volley through the legs of Musovic.
Real Madrid have a lifeline. Game on!
Chelsea 2-0 Real Madrid
20:43 , Will Castle
38 mins: Real Madrid looking for a response before half-time and enjoying a spell in the Chelsea half.
However, they’re struggling to make any headway into the box either from crosses or long-range efforts, with blocks coming in from Bronze and Nusken.
Chelsea 2-0 Real Madrid
20:41 , Will Castle
35 mins: Good persistence and determination from Rytting Kaneryd to win the ball in a dangerous area, running down the right and into the area before trying to pull it across.
She gets the angle wrong and it rolls into Misa’s arms.
Chelsea 2-0 Real Madrid
20:38 , Will Castle
33 mins: Carmona on the deck after a coming together Rytting Kaneryd.
Looks like a sore one but seems fine to continue.
Chelsea 2-0 Real Madrid
20:36 , Will Castle
30 mins: Cynical challenge from Athenea prevents Baltimore from driving into acres of space down the left.
The free-kick actually leads to Real Madrid counter, working it well to fashion a shooting chance for Redondo, whose first-time effort is saved low by Musovic.
Closest the visitors have got to a goal so far.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Real Madrid
20:34 , Will Castle
28 mins: GOAL! Reiten converts from the spot with an emphatic penalty, with the pace and the power beating Misa who guessed correctly.
That’s the third penalty Reiten has taken against Real in the past three years – two from three converted.
Chelsea 1-0 Real Madrid
20:32 , Will Castle
26 mins: PENALTY! Chelsea have largely been on the back foot since taking the lead, but they have a chance to double their advantage.
With the ball awkwardly looping in the area, Nusken goes to meet it and gets a kick in the heel for her troubles.
The referee takes a while to make her decision, but eventually points to the spot.
Chelsea 1-0 Real Madrid
20:29 , Will Castle
22 mins: Another big opening for Real as Athenea darts in behind to meet a lofted ball – however, she fails to control it, letting the ball run between her legs for Musovic to smother.
She looks with hope to the linesman to spare her blushes, but the flag stays down.
Chelsea 1-0 Real Madrid
20:27 , Will Castle
20 mins: Real Madrid enjoying a decent spell here and once again work it well to the byline, with Athenea finding herself in position to pull it across the boss.
However, she can only find a blue shirt with the delivery and Chelsea clear.
Chelsea 1-0 Real Madrid
20:25 , Will Castle
19 mins: Fancy footwork from Caroline Weir to turn her opponent not once but twice, creating space on the edge of the Chelsea box.
She spoons her shot and it’s a simple save for Musovic, who catches the looped effort with ease.
Chelsea 1-0 Real Madrid
20:22 , Will Castle
17 mins: Real Madrid get some space in the centre and look to break, sending a searching ball in behind for Athenea del Castillo to chase.
Former Barcelona defender Lucy Bronze gets there first and cleans up.
Chelsea 1-0 Real Madrid
20:20 , Will Castle
14 mins: Baltimore concedes a corner for Chelsea and Real Madrid stick their delivery right on the keeper, looking to cause chaos under the crossbar.
The ball finds a Madrid head, which can only loop onto the roof of the net.
Meanwhile, the heavens have once again opened at the Bridge.
Chelsea 1-0 Real Madrid
20:18 , Will Castle
12 mins: Ramirez gets a lucky bounce and can break down the right for Chelsea, driving with pace towards the Real Madrid box.
Carmona does well to divert her and force the ball out of play.
Chelsea 1-0 Real Madrid
20:16 , Will Castle
10 mins: Real Madrid beginning to grow into the game and work it well down the left, with Weir breaking into the box.
However, as the ball goes out of play, the flag goes up for a mistimed run from Carmona in the build-up.
Chelsea 1-0 Real Madrid
20:13 , Will Castle
7 mins: Real Madrid enjoy their first glimpse in the Chelsea final third but their attacking efforts are stifled by Millie Bright, whose challenge forces a corner.
Nothing comes from the resulting set piece.
Chelsea 1-0 Real Madrid
20:11 , Will Castle
5 mins: Really bright start from Chelsea who comes forward once again, driving into the box and firing an effort into the arms of Misa.
Real Madrid haven’t woken up yet.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Real Madrid
20:10 , Will Castle
2 mins: GOAL! A lightning fast start from the hosts!
Rytting Kaneryd whips in a dangerous ball from the right to find the head of Nusken, whose effort deflects off Shei Garcia to roll into the bottom right corner.
Dream start for Chelsea, who have an early lead.
Chelsea 0-0 Real Madrid
20:05 , Will Castle
1 min: Chelsea get us underway at the Bridge.
Late lineup change for Chelsea
20:05 , Will Castle
A late change in personnel to note between the sticks for Chelsea.
Hannah Hampton is out of the lineup due to illness, with Swedish stopper Zećira Mušović deputising in her place.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid
20:02 , Will Castle
After a slight delay, Millie Bright and Olga Carmona lead their sides out as they prepare to lock horns at Stamford Bridge once more in the Women’s Champions League.
Chelsea and Real Madrid have grown familiar foes having met each other at this stage in the last two campaigns – Real are yet to register a win against the West Londoners.
Could tonight be the night they end their winless streak against the Blues?
Chelsea vs Real Madrid
20:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Ah, here they come now! Kick-off is just a few moments away.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid
20:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Looks like there’s going to be a delay to kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
It’s almost 8pm, and there’s no movement in the Chelsea tunnel…
Chelsea vs Real Madrid
19:50 , Jamie Braidwood
How can I watch it?
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.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Chelsea hand first start to Wieke Kaptein in midfield
19:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Chelsea hand a start to 19-year-old Netherlands international Wieke Kaptein tonight. The midfielder made her first appearance for the club after coming on as a substitute in the 7-0 win over Crystal Palace.
She was actually signed by Chelsea last season, after she was named in the Dutch squad for the World Cup at the age of 17. However she returned on loan to FC Twente, where she helped the club win the league.
She starts in midfield in place of Erin Cuthbert, who is injured.
Chelsea ‘on a journey’ in the Women’s Champions League
19:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Chelsea captain Millie Bright said Sonia Bompastor has set high expectations since arriving at the club and believes the Blues should not shy away from aiming to win the Women’s Champions League for the first time.
“We’ve come very close,” she told TNT Sports. “And I think that they’re the hardest ones to take when you’re just not quite over that final line. But for us, I think we’ve never shied away from them. It’s an ambition that the club, as players, and staff want.
“We’ve certainly been on a journey with the Champions League over the years, but it’s certainly one we’re just as passionate about winning. It’s the one that we haven’t won. I think everyone’s aware of that, and we’ve spoken very openly about that.
“We’ve got a lot of changes this season, and Sonia coming in, she’s laid the expectations down, and there’s no shying away from what’s expected of this group and what our ambitions are.”
European schedule forces change of plans for Chelsea
19:40 , Will Castle
Chelsea were meant to host Manchester United on Sunday, October 6 in a highly-anticipated clash of Women’s Super League heavyweights.
However, this had to be postponed at just a week’s notice because of a conflict with tonight’s match against Real Madrid, scheduled for just two days after the proposed United game.
Throwing their planned preparation into disarray, it was safe to say Blue manager Sonia Bompastor was not happy with the change of schedule.
“We were disappointed, players and staff,” Bompastor said. “I think everyone has to understand we were supposed to play.
“We were in a very good team dynamic and not having the opportunity to play this weekend changed everything in preparation for the game on Tuesday with Real Madrid.
“When you have the opportunity to play one game a week, with this decision being made to postpone the game, now we have been out of competition for 10 days which is completely different.
“If you look at the situation, the decision is not good. I think it is not good for all the English clubs who are in the Champions League competition.”
Chelsea’s Women’s Champions League record under Emma Hayes
19:30 , Jamie Braidwood
2023-24: Semi-finals
2022-23: Semi-finals
2021-22: Group stages
2020-21: Final
2019-20: N/A
2018-19: Semi-finals
2017-18: Semi-finals
Bompastor and Bronze can take Chelsea ‘that extra mile’
19:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Chelsea captain believes new arrivals Sonia Bompastor and Lucy Bronze can help the club take the next step in Europe.
Bronze has won the Champions League five times, including the last two with Barcelona and three with Lyon, while Bompastor has won the competition as both player and coach.
“Everyone knows that our winning mentality is something that has been embedded in us for several years now,” Bright said.
“Sonia [Bompator] and the likes of Lucy [Bronze] coming in add to that mentality. They have got over that final line which we are yet to do.
“Having that experience as a player and a manager can take you that extra mile. As a whole, we’re very different now. We’re on a new journey and it’s an exciting one.”
Chelsea vs Real Madrid – Team news!
18:54 , Jamie Braidwood
Chelsea hand a start to 19-year-old midfielder Wieke Kaptein while Sandy Baltimore lines up a left back – with no Erin Cuthbert in the squad.
Lauren James starts and Mayra Ramirez returns to lead the line, with Aggie Beever-Jones dropping to the bench.
Linda Caicedo is on the bench for Real Madrid, who start former Chelsea midfielder Melanie Leupolz. Caroline Weir leads the line for the visitors.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid – Team news!
18:50 , Jamie Braidwood
Confirmed line-ups
Chelsea XI: Hampton; Bronze, Bright, Bjorn, Baltimore; Kaptein, Nusken; Rytting Kaneryd, James, Reiten; Ramirez
Real Madrid XI: Misa; Garcia, Lakrar, Mendez, Carmona; Leupolz, Angeldal, Teresa; Del Castillo, Weir, Redondo
Chelsea hoping to take next step in Women’s Champions League
18:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Chelsea are hoping Sonia Bompastor can help the club reach the next level in Europe. The one trophy Chelsea could not win during Emma Hayes’ 12 years in charge was the Champions League, despite going close over the past few seasons.
There was the 2021 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, a 4-0 thrashing in Gothenburg, but the Blues were far more competitive in the last two semi-finals against the reigning champions, losing 2-1 on aggregate both times.
Last season felt especially brutal, with Chelsea winning 1-0 away from home in the first leg before a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge that featured a contentious penalty.
Chelsea ready for ‘tough’ Real Madrid challenge
18:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Sonia Bompastor dismissed Chelsea’s strong record against Real Madrid and said she is preparing for a “tough game” against the Spanish side.
Real Madrid have invested in the summer, signing not just former Chelsea midfielder Melanie Leupolz but Sheila Garcia, Antonia, Eva Navarro, Alba Redondo, Maelle Lakrar and Filippa Angeldahl and Maria Mendez.
“For me and the staff who have come in, it’s the first time we are going to face Real Madrid,” Bompastor said.
“I know they are one of the most competitive teams in the Spanish league, and how many talented players they have in the squad. They love to possess the ball. It’s will be a tough game, and we are ready for that.”
Chelsea host Real Madrid for third year in a row
18:15 , Jamie Braidwood
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 looks ahead to ‘special’ Champions League return
18:05 , Jamie Braidwood
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.”
Real Madrid team news
18:03 , Jamie Braidwood
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 team news
18:02 , Jamie Braidwood
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.
When is Chelsea vs Real Madrid?
18:01 , Jamie Braidwood
The Champions League fixture will kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 8 October at Stamford Bridge.
How can I watch it?
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.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Good evening
18:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Chelsea return to Women’s Champions League action and host Real Madrid in Sofia Bompastor’s first match at Stamford Bridge.
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.
