Chelsea Cruise Past Ajax in Champions League Quest

Emma Hayes’ Chelsea took a massive step towards reaching the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals by dispatching Ajax 3-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie in Amsterdam. A Lauren James strike and a Sjoeke Nusken brace gave the Blues a commanding advantage ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

While Ajax had threatened early on through Romee Leuchter’s effort that struck the post, it was the English champions who drew first blood. James showed her predatory instincts, rounding goalkeeper Regina van Eijk to slot into an empty net after the Dutch side failed to clear their lines. The goal was initially ruled out for offside before a lengthy VAR check overturned the call.

Chelsea’s quality and experience shone through as they took control of the tie before halftime. Nusken got her first of the night from close range after another well-worked team move involving the lively James and Guro Reiten down the left flank.

The second half was more of the same as the visitors dominated proceedings. Chances went begging for Nusken, Erin Cuthbert and Reiten as Ajax struggled to contain their illustrious opponents. The Netherland’s champions finally cracked in the 83rd minute when Nusken rose highest to power home a header from Catarina Macario’s cross.

The 3-0 scoreline was the least Chelsea deserved for a ruthlessly professional performance that underlined their credentials as potential Champions League winners this season. While a semi-final clash with Barcelona or another European heavyweight potentially looms, Hayes’ sole focus will be on negotiating the second leg at Stamford Bridge without any complacency.

For Ajax, their first taste of the Champions League knockout stages is proving to be a chastening experience. They battled gamely but were ultimately outclassed by a streetwise Chelsea side brimming with big-game experience. Overturning a three-goal deficit in London looks a tall order, even for a team that topped a group containing PSG and Bayern Munich.

Still, the Dutch champions can take pride in their European journey this season which has whetted the appetite for more forays into the latter stages of the continent’s elite club competition. As for Chelsea, their relentless march towards a first Champions League title before the departing Hayes starts a new chapter goes on.

The West Londoners have one foot in the semis and a potentially mouth-watering tie with one of Europe’s elite clubs. But they will be taking nothing for granted against an Ajax team that showed patches of promise, even in defeat. Control the second leg professionally, and Hayes’ Chelsea can start dreaming of Champions League glory.