Chelsea Women’s Women’s Champions League campaign took another step backward on Tuesday as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Hacken, a result that compounds their struggles in Europe. Despite generating 26 shots—including two disallowed goals—and dominating possession, the Blues failed to convert on goal, leaving them with just a solitary point from their first three matches in the competition. The draw against the newly crowned Swedish champions leaves Chelsea’s group-stage ambitions hanging by a thread, particularly as they prepare for a high-stakes WSL title showdown against Manchester City this weekend.
The frustration was palpable in Chelsea’s camp after the match, with manager Emma Hayes acknowledging the need for immediate improvement. ‘We came here with the ambition of winning the game,’ she stated, ‘but tonight it didn’t go that way. We need to learn from this.’ The result is particularly galling given Chelsea’s recent form in the Women’s Super League, where they sit just two points behind Manchester City in the title race. A draw in Gothenburg means they must now focus on securing a victory against Paris Saint-Germain in their next Champions League fixture before facing City at Stamford Bridge. The stakes could not be higher.
Meanwhile, Manchester City Women secured their first Champions League victory of the campaign with a 4-1 win over Inter Milan, a result that signals a return to form after three draws to start the group stage. Aoba Fujino’s brace—including a first-half double—set the tone, while Kerstin Casparij and Grace Clinton added to the scoring in the second half. The win was not just a statement of intent but a tactical masterclass, with City’s midfield dictating play and their defense holding firm against Inter’s attacking threats. Coach Andrée Jeglertz praised midfielder Laura Blindkilde Brown for her all-round performance, though she acknowledged that a goal would have made the result even more decisive.
The contrast between Chelsea’s stagnation and City’s resurgence is stark. While the Blues remain in contention for a top-four finish in the Champions League—thanks to their seven points from three games—their inability to break down opposition defenses has become a recurring issue. Hacken’s goalkeeper, Jennifer Falk, was a standout figure, making crucial saves that denied Chelsea clarity in front of goal. For City, however, the win provides a much-needed confidence boost ahead of their next group-stage fixture and the WSL title race, where they now sit just one point behind Chelsea.
With both clubs now turning their attention to the WSL title clash, the implications for the league are significant. Chelsea’s draw against Hacken has left them vulnerable, particularly if they fail to convert their chances against PSG next week. Meanwhile, City’s victory reinforces their status as title favorites, though their Champions League campaign still requires consistency. The next few weeks will determine whether Chelsea can reclaim their momentum or if Manchester City’s dominance in both competitions will be unassailable.
