The stage was set in England’s capital, as Stamford Bridge played host to the reverse fixture between Chelsea and Real Madrid in the penultimate group stage fixture of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Chelsea enter the fixture group leaders, occupying the summit spot of Group D with a grand tally of 8 points. Tonight’s opponents find themselves in a juxtaposing position to the Blues, as Alberto Toril’s Real Madrid side find themselves unable to progress beyond the competition’s group stage.

The home side return to Stamford Bridge after what was a spectacle of dominance in last Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United in the Barclays Women’s Super League. Despite their Spanish opponents having no tangible motivator heading into the clash, Emma Hayes assured that her side would show no complacency.

CHE: Hampton; Lawrence, Carter, Buchanan, Charles, Cuthbert, Kirby, Leupolz, Kaneryd, Reiten, Fishel

RMA: Chavas; Kenti Robles, Ivana, Katheten, Svava, Teresa, Zomoza, Raso, Caicedo, Maite Oroz, Møller

Down on the ground, it was the visitors who kicked off proceedings at Stamford Bridge.

The home side commenced the fixture in hunger, as Rhytting Kaneryd gained dangerous territory in the wide area, already threatening the Real Madrid last-line. Though her run was mistimed, as the flag was raised to indicate that the Swedish attacker was offside.

Las Blancas found their first real opportunity through Hayley Raso, as the Australian forward gained important territory in the final third. Though her cross was to no effect, as the searching ball ran through unanswered, before being cleared away of danger by Melanie Leupolz.

The opening few minutes showcased exciting end-to-end football, as the home side charged forward on the counterattack. Fran Kirby held possession on the edge of the area, before placing a line-breaking ball through to an advancing Erin Cuthbert. The Scottish midfielder struck well on her left, though a stretching Mylène Chavas denied the Blues captain of the advantage.

It wouldn’t be much longer before Chavas pulled off another impressive save between the goalposts, as Guro Reiten floated her strike toward the top-right corner. A retreating Chavas was able to deny the Norwegian forward, keeping matters level at the Bridge.

It seemed that Las Blancas continued to narrowly evade danger, as Reiten stormed the area once again. Though her attempt to locate blue inside the area was cleared away desperately, as Chelsea found themselves their first corner for the evening. Despite dynamic movement inside the 18 yard-box, a scuffle of Blue legs saw the ball out and behind for a goal kick.

Disposessing Leupolz in the field’s central areas, Sofie Svava stormed the spine with conviction. Though her shot from distance lacked threat, falling comfortably to an awaiting Hannah Hampton in her UEFA Women’s Champions League debut.

Real Madrid continued to gather momentum, as Linda Caicedo expertly weaved through the Chelsea last line to find herself in a one-on-one opportunity with an advancing Hampton. A stellar stop from Hampton sees the Blues escape the deficit, though a challenge in the area saw Caicedo down and receiving treatment.

Deemed fit to continue after a spell with the Physio team, all was back underway at The Bridge.

The Blues were graced with a golden opportunity as Reiten found herself alone with Chavas on the angle. Though the Blues forward opted for an unselfish entry in attempt to pick out an advancing Erin Cuthbert inside the area. Reiten’s cross lacked the desirable effect, as both Ivana and Kathellen worked to clear the play from danger.

All remained level heading into the interval, neither side able to break the 0-0 stalemate in the first half of play. The break saw Emma Hayes opt for a change at the interval, as Mia Fishel made way for Lauren James. Alberto Toril may have been forced to alter his Real Madrid line-up, as Linda Caicedo’s first-half knock saw her make way for Athenea.

All was back underway here at The Bridge, as the hosts kicked off second half proceedings.

Despite being goalless in the opening term, the hosts continued to prove a nightmare for the Real Madrid defence.

Niamh Charles continued to cause troubles down the right side, beating Robles to make her presence known inside the box. A terribly timed challenge from Hayley Raso saw the hosts awarded a penalty. Making no mistakes from the spot, it was Reiten who slotted home Chelsea’s first for the evening.

The temperature continued to rise in SW6, this time it was Real Madrid who had their say. After giving away the penalty that lead to their deficit, it was Raso who looked threatening on the attack. The Australian placed a searching look inside of the area, as Castillo made no mistake in gathering the deflected scraps and giving Real Madrid their equaliser.

Though rapture was short-lived for Las Blancas, as the hosts responded with immediate desperation. After having a superb evening in the middle of the park, Cuthbert finally found herself on the scoresheet as Chelsea reignited their lead at Stamford Bridge.

The clock continued to run down here at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea eagerly chased a spot in the competition’s quarter final stages. Despite having the lead, the Blues refused to take their foot off the grass. Lauren James continued to excite, though her shot from range caused minimal trouble for the Real Madrid goalkeeper.

All wrapped up at 2-1 in SW6, as Chelsea secured their spot at the summit of Group D, and a position in the competition’s quarter finals.