The Chelsea captain had dismissed notions of a dip following a first league defeat, and a dominant half-dozen goal win in their second-to-last UCL group game put those thoughts to bed.
Deflected Opener Breaks the Deadlock
An unfortunate deflection from Valentina Bergamaschi broke the fight of Roma early on, with subsequent goals scored by Wieke Kaptein, Lucy Bronze.
Manchester United’s loss and Atlético Madrid’s 2-2 draw resulted in Chelsea climbing to third place, on the brink of automatic progression to the UCL quarter-finals.
Multiple Changes and a Fast Beginning
Returning to the starting lineup since mid-November, Bright was one of multiple rotations to the side that fell to Everton days earlier.
At their home ground, Chelsea started brightly. An early effort from Sandy Baltimore curled just wide in the opening minutes.
Despite a inability to progress, Roma showed early signs to impose themselves, with Giulia Dragoni looking promising.
Chelsea Take Control
The own goal was a significant moment for the Italians. The tide turned decisively Chelsea's way, and it was two-nil before the 30-minute mark, with a precise finish converting after a headed assist from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.
A deserved lead was stretched shortly before halftime, Rytting Kaneryd tapping home after the keeper had kept out an shot from Sam Kerr.
Ruthless Second Half
After the break, a VAR-awarded foul was scored by the substitute to make it 4-0.
The team showed no mercy in their pursuit of more goals, with the Everton loss perhaps providing motivation.
- The 19-year-old went near to scoring on her promising cameo, forcing a good stop from the Roma keeper.
- The fifth goal came after a driving run cut through a disorganized defense.
- The last nail in the coffin was a sweeping ball from the experienced full-back that flew in at the opposite corner.
Quarter-Finals in Sight
Following the win and parallel matches going their way, Chelsea took charge of their fate to secure a knockout stage spot.
A final match away to two-time Champions League winners Wolfsburg will determine Chelsea and an automatic place to the next round.
