The USWNT star hadn't scored a Champions League goal since the 2022 final, but that long wait for another ended at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday
Catarina Macario's first Champions League goal in two and a half years set Chelsea on their way to a dominant 6-1 win over Twente on Wednesday night, as Sonia Bompastor's 100 percent start to life in charge of the English champions extended to a remarkable 14 wins from 14 games. With the Blues already through to the knockout rounds, the coach tried out a few different things in this fixture, including pairing Macario with Mayra Ramirez in a 4-4-2 set-up. It was a choice that produced favourable returns too, as the two ran Twente ragged in a first half that saw the visitors blown out of the water.
There were just three minutes on the clock when Macario broke the deadlock, her first European goal since helping Lyon to win the 2022 UWCL final taking the form of a cheeky half volley which looped over Twente goalkeeper Olivia Clark. There was briefly parity in this game, when Kayleigh van Dooren converted from the spot after Maika Hamano gave away a needless penalty, but it was only for two minutes, as Oriane Jean-Francois ensured Chelsea led again on the half hour mark.
From there, it was smooth sailing. Ramirez scored an outstanding goal from range, lobbing Clark after latching onto a loose ball some 35 yards out, and Erin Cuthbert burst into the box to make it 4-1 before half time. Things would settle down after the break, though only after Sjoeke Nusken headed in a fifth within minutes of the restart, with the scoring concluding late on when Eve Perisset added further gloss to a very one-sided affair.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Zecira Musovic (6/10):
Stopped anything Twente threw at her with the exception of the penalty, which she was very close to as well.
Eve Perisset (7/10):
Solid, hard-working display in which she rarely lost a duel. Deserved her goal.
Nathalie Bjorn (6/10):
Slow reactions almost let Twente get another goal back in the first half. That summed up an imperfect defensive display, though not a torrid one. Only played the first half.
Millie Bright (7/10):
Her and Bjorn were slightly off it in the first half and a better team would've got a few goals. Improved after the break and was fantastic on the ball, spraying some really nice passes around at times.
Niamh Charles (6/10):
Got forward well and created a fair few chances, though that sometimes let Twente in behind on the counter.
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Maika Hamano (6/10):
Gave away a really needless penalty to allow Twente to level the scores and get herself a booking. Was at least lively in attack to somewhat make amends.
Erin Cuthbert (7/10):
Battled brilliantly, winning possession back more than any other player, and got herself on the scoresheet after a great run.
Oriane Jean-Francois (6/10):
Limped off before half time with an injury, which was a sad way for a game in which she scored a nice individual goal to end.
Aggie Beever-Jones (7/10):
Had some really bright moments out wide, including a brilliant nutmeg. Moved more central in the second half but lacked service.
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Catarina Macario (8/10):
That she was the striker tasked with dropping back more often really suited her, as it allowed her to showcase her passing range while also providing a significant goal threat. Cute finish for the opener.
Mayra Ramirez (8/10):
Decision-making and finishing wasn't always accurate, otherwise she could've had a hatful. Ran Twente absolutely ragged and scored a brilliant goal from range. Opposing defenders will have been delighted to see her go off at half time.
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Wieke Kaptein (6/10):
Replaced Jean-Francois just before the break and supported the attack well with runs from deep. Good in possession.
Guro Reiten (6/10):
Should've had at least one goal, if not two, after coming on at the interval. Brought plenty of energy going forward.
Sjoeke Nusken (7/10):
Made an immediate impact as a half time sub when she headed in Hamano's cross within 90 seconds of coming on the pitch. Allowed Bompastor to rest Bjorn by showcasing her versatility as a centre-back.
Ashley Lawrence (6/10):
Came into the game when Twente's threat had cooled a little, so she didn't have much to do defensively. Still, she settled well.
Lola Brown (7/10):
The highly-rated teenager got a good half an hour run out here and she approached it really positively, constantly running at her marker and trying to make things happen.
Sonia Bompastor (7/10):
With her team already qualified for the knockout stages, Bompastor used this opportunity to rest key players and give others minutes and she struck the balance well to ensure a dominant display. Was nice to see Brown get a good run out in the second half especially.