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Manchester City delivered a statement performance in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final, ending Chelsea’s 28-match unbeaten run with a clinical 2-0 victory. Dutch superstar Vivianne Miedema was the difference maker, scoring twice to put City in firm control ahead of the second leg.
Chelsea, under new boss Sonia Bompastor, had not tasted defeat since her arrival, but City’s tactical discipline and attacking precision proved too much. Miedema, who recently returned to full fitness, showcased her world-class finishing to silence the Blues and give Gareth Taylor’s side a huge advantage.
From the first whistle, Manchester City pressed with intensity, disrupting Chelsea’s rhythm and limiting their attacking threats. Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly provided width, stretching the Chelsea defense, while Miedema played with her usual intelligence, finding space and punishing the visitors.
The opening goal came in the 32nd minute when Alex Greenwood’s pinpoint pass found Miedema inside the box. The Dutch forward took one touch to control before rifling a shot past Zecira Musovic, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Chelsea responded with urgency, but City’s defense, marshaled by Greenwood and Esme Morgan, stood firm. Sam Kerr and Lauren James struggled to break through as City’s midfield trio dictated the tempo.
The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute. Georgia Stanway, pulling the strings in midfield, played a clever through ball to Miedema, who coolly slotted past Musovic for her second of the night. It was a classic striker’s finish and a moment that could define the tie.
Chelsea pushed for a late goal, but Ellie Roebuck made a crucial save to deny James, ensuring City’s two-goal cushion remained intact. The final whistle confirmed a dominant performance from the hosts, putting them in the driver’s seat ahead of next week’s return leg at Stamford Bridge.
Bompastor will need to rally her side for a comeback, but with Miedema in this form, Manchester City look primed for a deep run in the competition. The second leg promises fireworks, but for now, City have the upper hand in this all-English Champions League showdown.
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