Chelsea striker Fran Kirby has become the club’s new all-time record goalscorer after she scored twice in The Blues’ 5-0 victory over Benfica in Portugal this afternoon.
The hosts looked set to provide a real test for Emma Hayes’ side in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League round of 32 tie, however, in reality, their challenge was timid as they were simply outclassed by Chelsea from the very first minute.
Hayes’ side took the lead after just 80 seconds at the Benfica Campus with Kirby sweeping the ball home from a Pernille Harder cross to become The Blues’ all-time top scorer with 69 goals.
Millie Bright soon headed in a second after getting on the end of a free-kick before Kirby’s 70th goal arrived with a precise finish from inside the box.
Pernille Harder then added a fourth goal on the stroke of half-time to cap off a stunning first half performance from the Barclays FA Women’s Super League champions.
Beth England coolly netted a fifth Chelsea goal early in the second half before the game petered out as substitutions took a grip on the proceedings.
The home side finished the game with 10 players after Christy Ucheibe received her second booking 14 minutes from time but Benfica’s numerical disadvantage did not leave them with any bigger task to overcome in the second leg at Kingsmeadow in a week’s time.
Chelsea now travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday before hosting Benfica in the return leg.
About The Author
