Chelsea edged closer to qualifying for the quarter finals of the Champions League with a hard fought 2-0 victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday evening.
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Second half goals from Sophie Ingle and Erin Cuthbert proved to be the difference in a tight Kingsmeadow encounter.
But Real grew into the game, Caroline Weir seeing a goal-bound effort blocked by Kadeisha Buchanan as the opening 45 finished goalless.
Having finished the first half strongly, Real carried on from where they left off at the beginning of the second, testing Ann-Katrin Berger with a Naomie Feller cross after the winger had burst past Magdalena Eriksson.
Jessie Fleming and Lauren James were introduced early in the second period, and the pair breathed new life into the Chelsea team with their energy and flair.
Having hardly threatened since the opening exchanges, a set piece was required for Chelsea to take the lead in the 68th minute.
Erin Cuthbert’s corner was flicked on by Millie Bright, and Ingle headed home.
Real went in search of a leveller, with the right flank continuing to be a source of danger for the visitors.
Moments later, Chelsea doubled their advantage – and in fortuitous circumstances, as Cuthbert’s attempted cross from the right inadvertently flew into the top corner.
