Much-changed Chelsea romped to a commanding 6-1 victory over Twente to maintain their 100 per cent Champions League record and as good as secure top spot in Group B.
Sonia Bompastor’s side can still be overtaken by second-placed Real Madrid, who they meet in the final fixture of the group stage in mid-December, but will finish top of the group if they avoid defeat in that game.
A heavily-rotated Chelsea steamrolled their Dutch visitors at Stamford Bridge, stealing the lead within the first two minutes via Catarina Macario, and they never looked back.
Twente did draw themselves momentarily level from the penalty spot as Maika Hamano’s mistake was punished by Kayleigh van Dooren, but parity lasted fewer than 60 seconds.
Oriane Jean-Francois was next to jink her way onto the scoresheet, before Mayra Ramirez lobbed Olivia Clarke – caught hopelessly off her line – and Erin Cuthbert added a fourth.
Chelsea were less ruthless after the break – Twente have now conceded 19 goals in this year’s campaign – but Sjoeke Nusken did glance a deft header inside the post from Hamano’s perfectly weighted delivery, and Eve Perisset added a late sixth from a corner.
The Blues, on a remarkable 14-game winning run under Bompastor, have already secured automatic qualification but are now well-placed to progress to the last eight as group winners.
What’s next?
Chelsea have two more fixtures before the winter break. They travel to Leicester in the WSL on Sunday, kick-off 12pm. The Blues finish with a trip to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday December 17 to round off their group stage campaign.