Alyssa Thompson Shines as Chelsea Seals First Champions League Win
Chelsea Women eventually got their European crusade rolling last night, and it was Alyssa Thompson who stole the limelight.
The 20- time-old American forward opened her account for the Blues, helping Sonia Bompastor’s side to a commanding 4 – 0 win over Paris FC at Stamford Bridge.
It was a night of control, countenance, and confidence from Chelsea, and maybe a regard for the horsepower their record signing brings to the table.
Thompson, whose blistering pace and sharp finishing left Paris FC protectors in a spin, struck the third goal to put the contest beyond doubt.
The moment was met with a roar from the Bridge faithful, a clear sign they’re fully warming to their new star.
Head coach Sonia Bompastor was full of praise afterward. “Alyssa brings a lot of speed up front; she’s a player who is really comfortable on the ball,” said Bompastor.
“She takes risks, attacks defenders one v one. It’s really difficult to defend against her. We haven’t seen yet the best of her, but hopefully we’ll see that soon.”
ALYSSA THOMPSON FIRST CHELSEA AND CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GOAL pic.twitter.com/AnALkPVVIg
— CAPTCHA (@FootyFilmz) October 15, 2025
There’s a sense that this was only a teaser of what’s to come. Thompson’s integration into English football has been swift, and her connection with Chelsea’s attacking setup already looks electric.
Over in North London, Arsenal boss Renee Slegers is demanding nothing short of intensity from her players as they head to Portugal to face Benfica tonight.
After a shaky start to their Women’s Champions League title defense, losing 2–1 to Lyon, and a tough run of domestic results, the Gunners finally snapped a winless streak with a narrow 1–0 win against Brighton.
But Slegers knows Benfica will pose a fierce test. “Benfica have a psychological presence and believe in what they are doing, so we expect a lot of intensity in the game, which we want to match and always want to bring as well,” she said.
With the Portuguese champions unbeaten at home in over a year, Arsenal will need to summon the same grit and firepower that carried them to European glory last season.
England fans can breathe easy, Jude Bellingham remains a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans. Despite missing the recent fixtures as England sealed qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the Real Madrid midfielder is very much in the picture.
Tuchel explained that Bellingham’s recovery from shoulder surgery required caution, but his quality is unquestioned.
“I guess so. Why not? Of course, he’s an important player, he’s a big player,” Tuchel confirmed when asked about a recall ahead of the November fixtures against Serbia and Albania.
England’s midfield, it seems, will once again revolve around the young maestro sooner rather than later.
Elsewhere, Chelsea men’s boss Enzo Maresca has been handed a one-match touchline ban following his overzealous celebrations during their late winner against Liverpool earlier this month.
The Italian admitted a misconduct charge and will now sit out Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest. The FA also confirmed an £8,000 fine.
It’s a setback for Maresca, but perhaps one that will only fuel the fire within his squad as they push for consistency in the league.
A big night for English clubs in Europe:
- Arsenal travel to Benfica
- Manchester United face Atletico Madrid
Both matches could prove pivotal in shaping the early landscape of this season’s Women’s Champions League.
It’s been a defining week for Alyssa Thompson, who’s now firmly making her mark in London. Chelsea’s European ambitions look sharper with her in the mix, and if Bompastor’s words are any indication, the best is yet to come.
