Chelsea’s Champions League win over Real Madrid was ‘boring’ – Emma Hayes
Despite securing top spot in the group and advancing to the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League, Chelsea’s victory over Real Madrid was labelled as “boring” by Chelsea boss Emma Hayes.
The match at Stamford Bridge saw Chelsea scoring twice within eight minutes, flanking a Real Madrid equaliser, ultimately resulting in a 2-1 win.
With a three-point lead over BK Hacken in the group, Chelsea secures progression with a game to spare.
“We expect to go through so I should start with that,” said Hayes.
“That’s our expectation and the bare minimum. I think we should expect to go through as group winners. For me, that’s already a sign of progress for any team in Europe like us, that we should expect to go through.
“I didn’t think it was a scintillating performance – I thought it was a boring game. But not every game is swashbuckling or dynamic. I thought it was quite flat.”
WSL league is ‘tough’
Hayes suggested that Chelsea’s gruelling schedule as one of the reasons behind a “flat” display.
“It doesn’t feel like we want to help the English teams progress. That was a tough game at the weekend [against Manchester United],” said Hayes.
“Our league is tough so when you’re playing a game like you do against United, then one recovery day, a training session, then playing a game, it’s tough. We have four games in nine days.
“We have to accept that. You have to preserve your legs and not attack in every moment. They are all the game-managing pieces you have to have.”
WCL crowds growing
Since the Lionesses success, starting with the Euros, attendance at women’s football matches in England has massively grown. The Women’s Super League (WSL) is constantly breaking attendance and viewership records, and attendance at FA Cup matches has also picked up.
Last night 11,262 people attended Stamford Bridge – a huge uptick in attendance at WCL games.