Chelsea draw with Real in controversial Champions League opener

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Chelsea drew 2-2 with Real Madrid in their Women’s Champions League opener and were left to rue  a controversial penalty call and disallowed goal.

Hosts Real took the lead in the 10th minute when OIga Carmona’s effort deflected in off Chelsea defender Millie Bright to wrong-foot goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.

Niamh Charles headed in Ashley Lawrence’s cross cross before the interval to haul Chelsea level, and later crossed for Sam Kerr to put the Blues ahead with 16 minutes remaining. 

However, two minutes later Jessie Fleming was adjudged to have fouled Athenea del Castillo in the penalty area even though replays showed Fleming had caught her opponent outside.

VAR is not operational in the women’s game and Carmona scored with the resulting spot-kick.

And in the closing stages, Chelsea’s Lauren James hit the bar and Charles had a goal disallowed for offside but replays showed the decision was wrong.