Vllaznia 0-4 Chelsea: Blues cruise into Women’s Champions League quarter-finals

Manager Emma Hayes said Chelsea have learned from their “hardest moments” to ensure smooth qualification to the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals.

The 2020-21 runners-up failed to progress from the group stage last season, but a 4-0 victory over Vllaznia confirmed their place in this year’s last eight.

Hayes’ side remain unbeaten in the competition and lead Group A with a game to go following their latest routine victory in Albania.

“I wouldn’t say relief is the right word. We had the opportunity to close [conversations on] last year. The questions in and around the group stage last year – we don’t have to answer any more,” said Hayes.

“This team does so well to learn in its hardest moments. We understand what the group stage is in this competition and I think we’ve navigated them really well this season.”

On a wet night in Albania, Wales midfielder Sophie Ingle put Chelsea 1-0 up after 12 minutes when she coolly struck into the bottom corner from Guro Reiten’s deflected cutback.

Fran Kirby doubled the lead shortly afterwards when she was slipped in by Jelena Cankovic, who acted quickly and Vllaznia were slow to react to a free-kick.

Substitute Katerina Svitkova headed in a third goal late on, before Maren Mjelde also came off the bench to score from the penalty spot in added time.

The Blues, who beat Vllaznia 8-0 in the reverse fixture in October, made light work of their progression to the knockout stages despite being drawn in a tricky group alongside Spanish side Real Madrid and French two-time finalists Paris St-Germain.

They were guaranteed qualification with a draw against Vllaznia – and could still have progressed in defeat depending on results elsewhere.

But the already eliminated Albanian side were no match for Chelsea on a wet evening at Loro Borici Stadium, despite plenty of endeavour from the hosts.

‘Competition for places will get even fiercer’

Hayes made six changes to the starting XI and Ingle, wearing the captain’s armband, was heavily involved in the first half, dictating play and scoring a fine opening goal.

The Blues’ defence was rarely tested, and chances continued to fall their way as Hayes made further changes after the break.

Striker Sam Kerr had a goal ruled out for offside in the second half before the lead was eventually extended when substitutes Svitkova and Mjelde added the finishing touches.

It was another display of Chelsea’s growing squad depth and Hayes expects competition for places in her side to get “even fiercer” in the new year as their summer signings continue to develop.

“Our depth has always been a strength of ours, but the quality in the way we control games now is different than in previous years,” added Hayes.

“Having the depth means we can train at a higher level. It’s less about rotation in games. It’s about quality training and making sure the players are being pushed to go to a higher level.

“You can have a large squad and not necessarily have good quality but we have both. The [summer signings] impress me more and more and I’m starting to see every new player find their feet.”

Chelsea now go into their final group match against PSG next Thursday knowing their spot in the last eight is already secure.

They join WSL rivals Arsenal in the quarter-finals after they secured qualification on Thursday evening despite a narrow defeat by holders Lyon.