Chelsea Women’s 13-match winning streak ended after they came from behind with a 1-1 draw with Leicester Women in their final Champions League match of 2024.
The Blues have swept every team aside in all competitions under Sonia Bombastor so far – including victories over Arsenal and Manchester City – but it is the relegation-threatened Foxes side that has proven to be their biggest test yet.
Until the 75th minute, the Blues had only had one shot on goal. It came in the first half when Joro Reiten fired a shot from long range off the crossbar, and the visitors were often limited to shots from outside the box by Leicester’s impressive defence.
In comparison, the Foxes scored with their only shot on target, as Missy Goodwin (20) gave the hosts the lead against the run of play. The striker was unmarked on the right flank as she turned in Asmita Alli’s cross into the net, after coming on as a substitute for Diane Rose in the 11th minute.
As the game entered the final quarter, Chelsea began to show signs of their usual character, as they desperately sought to maintain their perfect record.
They did half the job as Vicky Kaptein (77) scored a thundering goal from the top of the penalty area, celebrating – with a hint of frustration – afterwards.
The 19-year-old, along with Sjoicki Nosken and Lucy Bronze, came close to scoring in some frantic closing moments, but the visitors were on their knees at the final whistle after they could find no other way past a determined Leicester side.
Chelsea will remain at the top of the WSL table heading into the winter break, but could see the gap reduced to three points on Sunday. Meanwhile, Leicester added what could be a crucial point as they moved past Everton on goal difference to 10th on six points.
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