Chelsea’s UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign begins on Wednesday afternoon when they take on Portuguese club Benfica in Lisbon.
Emma Hayes side will play their first European tie in 20 months after failing to qualify for last season’s competition. Given the quality in their squad, The Blues will feel that they have a real chance of lifting the trophy this year.
Benfica are currently enjoying their maiden campaign in European football’s elite competition. Luis Andrade’s side have already seen off the threats of Greek club POAK and Belgian side Anderlecht in the qualifying rounds of this season’s competition. Given their lack of tournament experience and the fact that they are relatively newly-formed, The Eagles were given a low rating by UEFA in the round of 32 draw seedings but Chelsea cannot take the Portuguese side for granted, they are a rapidly developing side and are quickly becoming a major force.
It has been three weeks since Benfica were last in action when they won 2-1 in Anderlecht in their second qualifying round tie. Brazilian forward Nycole Raysla netted a brace in that game and could cause Chelsea problems, as could captain Darlene who is the club’s all-time record goalscorer with close to 150 goals.
Chelsea travel to Portugal having battled to a 3-2 victory over London rivals West Ham United at Kingsmeadow on Sunday in their latest Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixture. The Blues’ hat-trick hero from that match, Sam Kerr, could be assessed ahead of the Benfica fixture after taking a knock to her hip as she netted her third goal against The Hammers. Manager Emma Hayes continues to be without long-term absentees Hannah Blundell and Drew Spence.
The UEFA Women’s Champions League round of 32 first leg tie between Benfica and Chelsea at the Benfica Campus is scheduled to kick-off at 3pm (UK) on Wednesday afternoon and will be available for fans to watch live on Chelsea’s 5th Stand app, chelseafc.com and on the club’s official YouTube channel.