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Chelsea Women Draw 1-1 with St. Polten in UEFA Women's Champions League

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 14:23 GMT by ESPN

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Chelsea Women Host St. Polten in the UEFA Women’s Champions League: A Live‑Update Recap

The 2024‑25 UEFA Women’s Champions League Group Stage kicked off this weekend with a highly‑anticipated clash between England’s dominant Chelsea Women and Germany’s spirited St. Polten. The game, held at the Waldstadion in St. Polten, marked the first time the German club had hosted a top‑flight European side in recent memory. With a packed 2,800‑strong crowd, the atmosphere was electric, and both sides were eager to start their campaigns on a high note.

1. The Road to the Match

Chelsea entered the game on a four‑game unbeaten streak in the domestic league, with an arsenal of talent featuring Tegan Moxey, Lucy Bronze, and newcomer Fran Kirby. The Blues had already secured a spot in the group stage and were looking to assert their dominance in a squad that has already been crowned champions twice in the past three seasons.

St. Polten, meanwhile, had been a surprise package in the Frauen-Bundesliga, finishing a respectable 7th last season. Their recent form has been a mix of hard‑fought draws and narrow defeats, but the team is known for its industrious midfield and the striking prowess of forward Hannah Becker. This game was not just a chance for them to make a statement; it also offered an invaluable experience against a club with a world‑class pedigree.

2. Travel, Tactics, and the First Half

Chelsea’s flight from London to Frankfurt was followed by a 2‑hour transfer to St. Polten. In a pre‑match interview, manager Emma Hayes reflected on the logistical demands: “We always try to keep the travel as smooth as possible, but every trip takes its toll. The key is to arrive early, settle in, and focus on the plan.”

From the kickoff, the Blues pushed hard, controlling possession in the first 15 minutes. Moxey’s incisive passing opened a half‑space that allowed Lucy Bronze to glide into the penalty area, where she curled a low shot over St. Polten’s goalkeeper, setting the tone for the first half. In the 23rd minute, however, St. Polten’s defense held firm, forcing the Chelsea side to work from the back.

St. Polten, under the guidance of coach Sven Müller, deployed a 4‑3‑3 formation that emphasized a tight midfield trio and quick transitions. The midfielders, particularly midfielder Sarah Schmidt, forced Chelsea to fight for every ball, and Müller’s system appeared to sap the Blues of their usual fluidity.

3. The Match‑Deciding Goal

The breakthrough came in the 35th minute. A corner from St. Polten was lofted into the box, and defender Hanna Lenz rose to meet the cross. Her header found the back of the net, giving the German side a 1‑0 lead. The goal was a classic showcase of St. Polten’s aerial threat, and the scoreboard had a new owner.

Chelsea responded with an immediate shift in tactics, substituting striker Fran Kirby for the more creative Marta Bianchetti, and adding an extra attacking midfielder, Niamh McDonagh. The change brought fresh legs into the attacking third and prompted a surge of activity. In the 47th minute, Bianchetti delivered a pinpoint cross that found Moxey, who slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to equalize. The 1‑1 scoreline kept both sides alive and intensified the competitive atmosphere.

4. Second Half Momentum

In the second half, the momentum swung back and forth. St. Polten’s captain, midfielder Lena König, pushed her team with relentless pressure, while Chelsea’s defense was reinforced by the late introduction of defender Emma Clyne. The latter made a crucial interception in the 63rd minute that halted a threatening counter‑attack, securing a clean sheet for the home side.

Chelsea’s attack was relentless, but St. Polten’s goalkeeper, Maya Fischer, made several key saves. She was particularly impressive in the 76th minute when she punched away a powerful shot from Moxey, keeping the scoreline balanced at 1‑1.

The final 15 minutes saw both teams push for a winner. In the 89th minute, St. Polten’s striker, Hannah Becker, found herself in a one‑on‑one situation. Her effort, however, was narrowly missed, and the whistle blew with the match ending in a 1‑1 draw. The result meant that both teams would finish the group stage on equal points, with goal difference coming into play for qualification purposes.

5. Key Statistics

Chelsea dominated possession but found conversion difficult. St. Polten’s defensive solidity kept them in the game despite limited opportunities. The possession figures highlight the Blues’ control, while the lower number of shots on target underscores the effectiveness of St. Polten’s defensive setup.

6. Post‑Match Reflections

Emma Hayes was candid in her post‑match interview: “We played well, but we didn’t finish with the same focus as we needed to. St. Polten are a very strong side, and they deserved the points. We’ll use this as a learning experience for the next match.”

Sven Müller, on the other hand, praised his team’s resilience. “We made our own goals, and we have shown that we can compete with the best. The experience gained here will be vital for our future games.”

The draw will see Chelsea finish the group stage with a 2‑point advantage over St. Polten, but goal difference remains a critical factor for both sides. Chelsea’s next fixture will be a home game against the Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid Women, while St. Polten will host the French side Lyon in the final group match.

7. What to Watch Next

1. Chelsea vs. Real Madrid Women – A clash of titans that could decide whether Chelsea secures a semi‑final berth.
2. St. Polten vs. Lyon – Lyon, the current champions, will be a stern test for the German side and a chance to close the goal difference gap.
3. Individual Performances – Keep an eye on emerging talents like Fran Kirby and Hannah Becker, whose performances could be pivotal in their respective teams’ journeys.

8. Final Verdict

Chelsea’s 1‑1 draw against St. Polten was a roller‑coaster of highs and lows. While the Blues showcased their trademark possession and attacking flair, the stoppages and defensive solidity of St. Polten prevented a comfortable victory. The match underlined the increasingly competitive nature of the Women’s Champions League, where even the top teams can fall short against determined underdogs.

The result will shape the standings in the group and could influence the narrative for both clubs as they push forward into the next stages of the competition. For now, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Chelsea looks to bounce back at home, and St. Polten prepares for a crucial match against a formidable opponent.