Kaptein fantastic strikes as Chelsea battle to WCL win over Austria Vienna
Chelsea Women secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Austria Vienna in their opening Women's Champions League match. Despite the win, manager Sonia Bompastor expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance and control of the game.
Why it matters
Highlights the increasing competitiveness of European women's club football and the tactical challenges top-tier teams face against lower-ranked opponents.
Wieke Kaptein (left) and Veerle Buurman celebrate after the former’s decisive goal. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images/Reuters Wieke Kaptein (left) and Veerle Buurman celebrate after the former’s decisive goal. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images/Reuters Women's Champions League Kaptein fantastic strikes as Chelsea battle to WCL win over Austria Vienna Suzanne Wrack at the Cherry Red Records Stadium Wed 23 Sep 2026 17.12 EDT Last modified on Wed 23 Sep 2026 21.30 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google Wieke Kaptein’s early goal gave Chelsea a winning start to their Champions League campaign proper against Austria Vienna, but it was a far from comfortable evening for them.
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