Chelsea Beat Lyon 4-3 on Penalties to Book Semifinal Spot
Chelsea Women Overcome Lyon Féminin in Tense Shootout
Blues Stun Holders in Epic Clash at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea Women have secured a sensational 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Lyon Féminin in the first leg of their Women's Champions League quarterfinal at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues looked down and out until a dramatic 128th-minute penalty from Millie Bright sent the tie to a shootout. Lyon, who had won the last five Champions League titles, had taken the lead through Selma Bacha's opener in the 14th minute. Chelsea equalized in the second half through Fran Kirby, but Lyon regained the advantage through Melvine Malard in the 77th minute.
With Chelsea facing elimination, Bright stepped up in the dying minutes to convert a spot-kick and send the game to penalties. In the shootout, Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger saved two penalties to secure a famous victory.
The win means Chelsea are the second English side to win in Lyon this season after Manchester City's victory in the Champions League group stage. It also gives the Blues a crucial advantage heading into the second leg in Lyon on March 31.
"It's an amazing feeling," said Chelsea manager Emma Hayes. "We showed great character to come back from behind and win on penalties. Lyon are a formidable opponent, so this is a huge result for us."
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