Chelsea’s Champions League exit underlines the need for summer transition

There was Nusken’s glancing header across the face of goal, and the effort Alyssa Thompson lifted over the bar in the first half. There were so many occasions that this Chelsea squad, had they been at the peak of their powers, would have turned into a goal that could have sparked a memorable Champions League comeback. Instead, a stoppage-time effort from Nusken was not enough to overturn their first-leg deficit and Chelsea lost 3-2 on aggregate — their earliest exit from this competition since 2021-22, at the hands of their biggest rivals.

“Our season is not good enough from (our) ambitions,” Bompastor said after the match. “I’m a manager who always gives clarity from the beginning of the season, saying, ‘We want to win the four titles’. ” The next natural step for Chelsea for somtre time now has been winning their first Champions League.

After a domestic treble last season, and an impressive 1-1 draw with Barcelona — the team who have been their constant European stumbling block — in the autumn, the logical continuation of that dynasty was for this to be their year to conquer Europe. Instead, what has played out this season is not a squad reaching new heights, but one needing to fast-track a transition. Plenty of Chelsea’s strengths were still on show against Arsenal.

In the first leg, James’ stunning long-range goal showed the magic she can bring. Nusken demonstrated her versatility again by popping up across the pitch in the return fixture at Stamford Bridge, often pushing up from midfield to act as a second forward and being rewarded with a goal for her efforts. Chelsea dominated the ball in the second leg and created several strong chances.