Chelsea Wins Season Opener Under Bompastor

Chelsea Women's team kicked off their 2024-25 Women's Super League campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Aston Villa, thanks to a stunning solo goal from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. This match marked the debut of new head coach Sonia Bompastor, who took over from Emma Hayes. While Chelsea showcased moments of quality, they faced a resilient Villa side that pressed hard for an equalizer, particularly in the dying moments when Villa's goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo attempted to score from a corner, only to be thwarted by Chelsea's Hannah Hampton. Bompastor expressed satisfaction with her start, despite the unconvincing nature of the victory, as Chelsea aims for a sixth consecutive title. Villa's new manager Robert de Pauw praised his team's performance and lamented their missed opportunities. Chelsea is still awaiting the return of star player Sam Kerr, who is recovering from an ACL injury.