Chelsea Dominates Paris FC for First UWCL Triumph of the Season
October 15, 2025, 06:31 PM ET
Chelsea’s head coach Sonia Bompastor expressed optimism for more to come from new signing Alyssa Thompson after her impactful debut, scoring her first goal during the team’s 4-0 victory over Paris FC at Stamford Bridge.
The 20-year-old forward, who joined from Angel City FC in the NWSL at the start of September, netted the third goal of the match, putting Chelsea firmly in control. This win marked their first in the current season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League after a challenging start.
The scoring began with a penalty converted by Sandy Baltimore in the first half, a decision stemming from a foul on Sjoeke Nüsken. A header by Johanna Rytting Kaneryd followed, before Thompson capped off the scoring with a well-placed shot after meeting a low cross from Kiera Walsh.
Bompastor praised Thompson, highlighting her speed, confidence on the ball, and ability to take on defenders. “Her first goal is pivotal for her confidence,” Bompastor noted. “She has a strong work ethic and is eager to help the team, both offensively and defensively.”
The fourth goal came from Erin Cuthbert, who capitalized on a header from substitute Sam Kerr to seal the victory. Chelsea had struggled to score previously, managing only two goals in their last three matches, making this performance all the more significant.
<p"Our character in the past two games has been most important," Bompastor added. "It's crucial to maintain energy and focus throughout our games." She emphasized the need for players to stay determined and clinical in front of goal.
Meanwhile, Sandrine Soubeyrand, the head coach of Paris FC, acknowledged her team’s efforts despite the defeat. She called the outcome fair but expressed her frustration over the penalty decision, asserting that the ball was difficult to play.
“Chelsea has high ambitions, and we were well aware of that,” she said. “Although we defended well, we faced a team with significantly more international experience.”
The league phase of this year’s newly structured 18-team tournament concludes in December, with the top four teams advancing to the quarterfinals, and those ranked fifth to twelfth entering a knockout playoff. The bottom six teams will be eliminated.
Information from PA was used in this story.
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