Chelsea record comfortable victory over Ajax in first leg of Champions League quarter-final | OneFootball

Chelsea are in a strong position to qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals after defeating Ajax 3-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Johan Cruyff Arena this evening.

Sjoeke Nüsken netted a brace while Lauren James was also on target as The Blues put themselves in a great position ahead of next week’s second leg back at Stamford Bridge.

There was an early scare for Chelsea in Amsterdam when Ajax forward Romée Leuchter curled a shot off the far post after seven minutes. The loose ball fell to Nadine Noordam who sent her effort over the bar.

At the other end, James rounded Ajax keeper Regina van Eijk before placing the ball into the net. The flag went up for offside but James was credited with the opening goal following a VAR review.

Nüsken then sent a header wide from a free-kick before Guro Reiten smashed the ball into the net after making a mess of her initial contact. VAR was again consulted and this time, the goal was ruled out with Nüsken being in an offside position.

Chelsea were not deterred and a minute later, Reiten crossed for Nüsken to score from close range. The German international was then inches away from making it 3-0 when she sent a shot narrowly wide in first half injury time.

The Blues looked very comfortable at the start of the second half without really troubling Van Eijk in the Ajax goal. A chance did fall the way of Nüsken but she ballooned her shot over the bar while Erin Cuthbert failed to severely test the keeper with an effort from distance.

In the 72nd minute, Cuthbert was again presented with a good chance to score but she was unable to direct the ball on target after connecting with a cross.

Chelsea completed the scoring with their third goal six minutes from time. In-form midfielder Nüsken was again on target as she sent a bullet header into the back of the net, capping-off a fine night for the South West Londoners.

The second leg takes place at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday 27 March 2024.