Soccer

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor aiming to sign off the year by beating Real Madrid

The Blues head to the Spanish capital for their final group match.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor is preparing to face Real Madrid
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor is preparing to face Real Madrid (Mike Egerton/PA)
By PA Sport Staff

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor wants to sign off the year by beating Real Madrid and securing top spot in the opening phase of the Champions League.

The Blues head to the Spanish capital for their final group match, and concluding fixture of 2024, with their place in the quarter-finals already secured.

Chelsea are three points clear of their opponents having won all five matches in Europe so far – including a 3-2 triumph against Los Blancos at Stamford Bridge in October – but their winning streak in the Women’s Super League came to an end at the weekend following a 1-1 draw at Leicester.

“We analysed the performance (against Leicester) and we talked with the girls about it,” said Bompastor ahead of Tuesday’s fixture at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium.

“We need to learn from that and move forward. This is not something we can control anymore because it’s in the past.

“The good point is we have the game tomorrow and that’s a new opportunity to focus on that game. We want to be ready to perform and to go on the Christmas vacations with a good result. We just want to keep this momentum and get back to winning.”

Chelsea fell behind against Leicester on Saturday following Missy Goodwin’s strike after 20 minutes before Wieke Kaptein’s long-range goal with 13 minutes left rescued a point. The Blues are six points clear of Manchester City at the top following their defeat against Everton.

Bompastor continued: “The WSL is the most competitive league in Europe, so we’re going to have tough games and we never take anything for granted.

“Coming into this game, we are top of the table, so we are confident. But we know the game will be tough and we will need to be 100 per cent with our performance to make sure we can get the three points.”

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd is out after picking up a calf injury against the Foxes, but Sandy Baltimore will be available again following a two-game absence.