Ajax v Chelsea LIVE: Women’s Champions League result and reaction as Nusken scores twice in big away win

The Independent

·19 March 2024

Ajax v Chelsea LIVE: Women’s Champions League result and reaction as Nusken scores twice in big away win

Chelsea Women's boss Emma Hayes and Erin Cuthbert preview UCL quarter final first leg vs Ajax

The climax of Emma Hayes’ dynasty is fast approaching and there is only one form that they will want that climax to take.

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Much still needs to be done before Chelsea can ensure her final game is the Champions League final, but the manner of their quarter-final first leg victory over Ajax showed that they would be fitting finalists.It wasn’t pretty; it definitely wasn’t easy.

That, however, is the crucial part. Chelsea were tested, they struggled to find their best rhythm, but they were patient and it paid dividends. Follow all the reaction below. Get the latest match odds here.

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FT - Ajax 0-3 Chelsea

The climax of Emma Hayes’ dynasty is fast approaching and there is only one form that they will want that climax to take. Much still needs to be done before Chelsea can ensure her final game is the Champions League final, but the manner of their quarter-final first leg victory over Ajax showed that they would be fitting finalists.

It wasn’t pretty; it definitely wasn’t easy. That, however, is the crucial part. Chelsea were tested, they struggled to find their best rhythm, but they were patient and it paid dividends.

It was Ajax who had the better of the starts on Tuesday, spurred on by a record crowd for a women’s game in the Netherlands, their vocal home support, and the knowledge that they had a point to prove.

That point is that Ajax are in the ascendency and on their way to becoming the footballing talent-factory that has long made this club famous in the men’s game. The fact that their brightest talent came in the form of Lily Yohannes, a 16-year-old, was a sign that it is beginning to ring true for the women’s team too.

Karl Matchett19 March 2024 20:40

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Karl Matchett19 March 2024 19:47

1710877363FT - Ajax 0-3 ChelseaAnd that’s the whistle - three goals and a brilliant first-leg lead for Chelsea. The second leg at Stamford Bridge should be largely a formality and a chance to fine-tune players’ fitness before a semi-final against either Brann or Barcelona.Lauren James scored the first and thought she’d assisted the second - only for a VAR check to rule out Reiten’s strike. Reiten then set up Nusken only a moment later to score from close range anyway, with Nusken adding a third near the end following Macario’s great cross.A fine night’s work: Ajax 0-3 Chelsea.Karl Matchett19 March 2024 19:42

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90’ - Ajax 0-3 Chelsea

Into stoppage time we go and we’ll have three minutes. Ajax having a bit of possession at the back now but going nowhere - they just don’t want any heavier a home defeat now.

Ultimately they’ve been lacking in the final third and unable to feed Leuchter much at all.

Time to watch on for Chelsea and Hayes, and see who impresses in tonight’s other quarter-final and those being played tomorrow.

Karl Matchett19 March 2024 19:40

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86’ - Ajax 0-3 Chelsea

Cankovic on for Cuthbert in the aftermath of that goal. Noordman on for Van Gool too. And two more Chelsea subs, Ingle for Leupolz and Beever-Jones for Charles.

A few minutes run-out for each, with this match certainly settled and the quarter-final itself almost guaranteed to be done too.

Karl Matchett19 March 2024 19:36