Chelsea, Lyon, and Real Madrid all secured their spots in the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals on a thrilling night of football, while Wolfsburg also extended their dominant run to further strengthen their claim for knockout stage qualification. The evening saw dramatic comebacks, stellar performances from key players, and clinical finishes across the continent.
Chelsea delivered a dominant performance in Group B, comfortably dispatching Celtic 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. England international Lucy Bronze set the tone early with a spectacular volley just 64 seconds into the match, and Dutch midfielder Wieke Kaptein doubled the lead with a header in the 25th minute. In stoppage time, French defender Eve Périsset sealed the win with a penalty, ensuring Chelsea maintained their perfect record in the group with four straight victories. “It was important to score early, and we did,” said Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor. “A great result and a clean sheet—it was a perfect night.”
Real Madrid joined Chelsea in advancing to the quarter-finals from the same group after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Twente. Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Madrid came alive in the second half, with Colombian star Linda Caicedo playing a pivotal role. Caicedo, who had been a standout at the 2023 World Cup, equalized just before the break and then turned provider for Denmark’s Signe Bruun, whose 71st-minute goal put Madrid ahead. Alba Redondo sealed the victory in stoppage time, though Twente managed a late consolation goal from Sophie Te Brake. “I can see Real Madrid going really far in this Women’s Champions League,” said Bruun, underscoring the growing confidence within the team.
Meanwhile, Lyon continued their impeccable form in Group A, overcoming a 1-0 deficit to defeat Roma 4-1. The Italians shocked the French giants when 18-year-old Giulia Dragoni scored with a left-footed shot in the 74th minute. But Lyon responded in style with a stunning late surge, spearheaded by substitute Kadidiatou Diani. The French forward scored two quick-fire goals in the 77th and 79th minutes, both coming from set pieces. Lyon’s Eugenie Le Sommer added a third, and captain Wendie Renard wrapped up the win with a header in stoppage time. The result ensured Lyon remained perfect in the group, six points clear of second-placed Roma.
Wolfsburg also maintained their formidable form with a 5-0 thrashing of Galatasaray, powered by a hat-trick from Germany’s Alexandra Popp. Popp’s clinical finishing in the 3rd, 15th, and 88th minutes set the tone, while Janina Minge and Lena Lattwein completed the scoring. The result further tightened the race for second place in Group A, with Roma now set to face Wolfsburg on December 11 in a potentially decisive clash.
The Women’s Champions League continues to showcase thrilling matches, with Lyon, Chelsea, and Real Madrid now safely through to the quarter-finals, each having shown their class and determination. As the group stage winds down, attention now turns to the final matchups and the high-stakes games that will decide who joins these teams in the knockout round.
