Bompastor pleased with Chelsea´s rotated side in 3-0 Champions League win over Celtic

Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor was delighted with her side’s 3-0 home victory over Celtic in the Women’s Champions League on Wednesday, which extended her 100% start and secured their place in the quarter-final.

Bompastor’s side remain three points above Real Madrid at the top of Group B and can now no longer be caught by third-placed Twente.

“I told the players before the game tonight that it was an opportunity for us to qualify for the quarter-final, and we did that,” she told the official club website after the game.

The result comes after a 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the WSL last weekend, which also has them top of that table with seven wins from seven.

“We also remain top of the table, which is also something we want to make sure we achieve. It’s great news that we were able to rotate the squad and give opportunities to some players to play a Champions League game again.

“We could rest some players thinking about the Manchester United game [on Sunday].”

Through to the knockouts! #UWCL pic.twitter.com/Pu3nzXgpi6

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) November 20, 2024

One of those players who got on the pitch as a result of that rotation was 17-year-old Lola Brown, who made her professional debut after coming off the bench in the 85th minute.

“It’s a special week for her individually, but also for the club,” Bompastor said. “I’m really pleased for her and the opportunity for her to come in, especially in a Champions League game.

“She’s been training with us and I can see her talent, even if she is young. She’s really dynamic as a player, really smart, and really good with the ball. She will progress and this experience tonight will bring her a lot of joy and a lot of confidence.

‘As a manager, I worked a lot with the young players, especially when I was at the academy with Lyon, and it’s also something special for me when I can give an opportunity to a young player to come in and show themselves. It’s really good and shows the good job that the club is doing with young players.’

Aside from Brown, Bompastor made six changes to Chelsea’s starting XI for the game and was pleased with the contribution of the players who came in.

“It’s been my mindset from the beginning of the season. We play so many games and have to make sure everyone is involved. It’s also the opportunity for me to show my trust in the players and the squad.

“It’s important because it’s not possible for a player to play 90 minutes every three days, especially with a lot of international players who play for their national team and club and travel all around the world. I think that’s the way it has to be.’