5 talking points as Chelsea held by Hacken in Champions League stalemate

14 December 2023 , 22:05

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Johanna Rytting Kaneryd is denied as Chelsea struggle to break down Hacken

Chelsea's European ambitions suffered a blow as they were held to a goalless stalemate by BK Hacken in the Women's Champions League.

Erin Cuthbert hit the bar with the best chance in the first half at Stamford Bridge, while Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby also went close as the hosts controlled proceedings without getting anything to show for it.

Kerr was then next to rattle the woodwork with a glancing header after the break, while Johanna Rytting Kaneryd blew a glorious chance, shooting straight at Jennifer Falk after a perfectly threaded pass from Sophie Ingle. Emma Hayes threw on Lauren James who helped increase the pressure, Kirby somehow failing to make contact with a James cross from close range.

Kerr did have the ball in the net only to be denied by the assistant's flag, while Eve Perisset's late free-kick whistled just wide in the dying seconds. But Hacken were well organised and proved good value for a point. In the other game in Group D Paris FC stunned Real Madrid 2-1 to move off bottom spot. The results leaves Chelsea in second place with five points.

Here are the talking points from Stamford Bridge.

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1. Chelsea held to rare stalemate

Chelsea scored against every European opponent they faced last season. So it something of a shock to see them struggle in front of goal on their return to Stamford Bridge.

The majority attending will have expected a reaction to the below-par performance at Arsenal. Emma Hayes had called for variety in Chelsea's play, but at times they were predictable.

Whenever they did get through, poor finishing let them down. It meant the WSL champions drew blank for the first time since the home leg of last season's Champions League semi-final with Barcelona. Chelsea's European fate is still very much in their own hands, but they will be keen to get back to winning ways against Bristol in the WSL on Sunday to end this mini-barren spell.

2. Resilient Hacken hold firm

The first half was something of a struggle for the WSL holders. They had the only real chances, the best coming when Guro Reiten squared for Erin Cuthbert in the 27th minute.

Guro Reiten was making her first start for Chelsea since the second weekend of the season

But Cuthbert could only smash the crossbar with the goal gaping, the ball spinning down before bouncing back out. Half-chances fell to Fran Kirby and Sam Kerr, but it was hard going for Chelsea, who were struggling to break down a narrow, but well organised Hacken defence.

For a while the Swedes made life very difficult for Chelsea, something that a lot of teams struggle to do. Remember Emma Hayes' team won five out of six group games at this stage last year, including all three at home. Considering they have not played domestically for well over a month, Hacken produced a valiant effort to deny one of the best sides in Europe.

3. Guro Reiten is back for the Blues

How Chelsea could have done with Guro Reiten for last weekend's trip to Arsenal. For many Reiten was Chelsea's player of the season last year, always turning up for the big occasion.

The Norwegian forward returned to Emma Hayes' starting XI for the first time since scoring in a 1-1 draw with Man City over two months ago. And from the early stages she looked like one of the few players who could make something happen.

Reiten's smart cutback for Cuthbert's miss in the first half, was arguably the most creative piece of play during a dour opening 45 minutes. She was always demanding the ball, even when multiple defenders were clipping at her heels. Although Hayes withdrew her in the 73rd minute, Blues fans will have loved seeing Guro back at Stamford Bridge.

4. Hayes takes James out of the firing line

At her pre-match press conference ahead of this one, Hayes revealed Lauren James' mental health was "not in the best place" after she received racist abuse online following the defeat at Arsenal. James was involved in an incident during the game, avoiding a red card for a clash with Lia Walti.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Lauren James of Chelsea looks on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Women's Champions League group stage match between Chelsea FC Women and BK Häcken FF at Stamford Bridge on December 14, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Chelsea released a statement condemning the social media abuse and Hayes decided against keeping James in the starting line-up for this one, instead putting her on the bench.

The Blues fans in attendance made their feelings clear for the England star, chanting James' name as she warmed-up down the touchline during a tepid first half. After an hour of lacklustre football, Hayes decided to bring James into the game. The reception was at that point easily the loudest cheer of the night, the forward feeling the love from the home crowd.

5. Disappointing draw leaves group finely poised

Chelsea came into this one knowing a win would take them above Hacken into top spot in Group D. But the draw means they still trail the Swedes by two points.

In Thursday night's other game, Paris FC's shock win over Real Madrid has brought them into contention, with the French side sitting in third place with three points. With Chelsea travelling to Hacken for the reverse fixture in Sweden next week, things may get even tighter in what could prove a surprise group of death.

Hayes' side also still need to travel to Paris on the final matchday. Talk of the outgoing manager finally winning Europe's top prize at Chelsea will have to wait until they navigate a tricky looking group.

Jack Lacey-Hatton