Match Performance Ratings: Chelsea Dominates St. Polten

**Livia Peng (6/10):**
Stepping in for the injured Hannah Hampton, Livia Peng had a quiet match, largely remaining a spectator as Chelsea controlled the game.

**Ellie Carpenter (8/10):**
Carpenter took advantage of Chelsea’s possession in advanced areas, often playing as an additional winger. Her smart cutback set up the early breakthrough for Kaptein. She also displayed strong defensive capabilities.

**Lucy Bronze (7/10):**
Bronze, though not typically a centre-back, filled in effectively, allowing Millie Bright and Nathalie Bjorn to rest after their previous match against Arsenal.

**Naomi Girma (7/10):**
Girma scored after her initial header rebounded off the post, although the goal was disallowed for offside.

**Sandy Baltimore (7/10):**
Baltimore was able to push higher up the pitch following Niamh Charles’ introduction in the second half.

**Catarina Macario (9/10):**
Macario consistently posed a threat with her exceptional delivery from both set-pieces and open play. She scored a crucial second goal just before halftime and calmly converted a penalty, nearly adding a hat-trick with a late free-kick that struck the post.

**Keira Walsh (7/10):**
Walsh endured heavy challenges from opponents but remained composed, hardly misplacing a pass and effectively helping to exhaust the St. Polten players.

**Wieke Kaptein (7/10):**
Kaptein’s well-timed run allowed her to score early in the match, and she displayed tidy ball control throughout.

**Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (7/10):**
Rytting Kaneryd had a close chance to score just before halftime but was thwarted by Schluter’s excellent save. She provided decent creativity on the right flank.

**Sam Kerr (9/10):**
In her first start since December 2023 following a long injury layoff, Kerr constantly found herself in the right positions. Although she missed a few chances early on, she eventually scored with a brilliant touch and was on the verge of a hat-trick on a different night.

**Alyssa Thompson (7/10):**
Thompson earned a penalty that secured Chelsea’s victory and was unfortunate that her goal was disallowed due to an offside call against Kerr.

**Veerle Buurman (6/10):**
Buurman had a valuable opportunity to gain experience, replacing Girma at halftime.

**Niamh Charles (8/10):**
Charles made a significant impact in her half-hour on the pitch.

**Lexi Potter (7/10):**
Another young player who had the opportunity to shine on a prominent stage.

**Sjoeke Nusken (6/10):**
Nusken nearly added a seventh goal for Chelsea, forcing a solid save from Schluter in stoppage time.

**Lauren James (7/10):**
James made her first Chelsea appearance since last season, contributing to an own goal scored by Lisa Ebert from a deflected shot.

**Sonia Bompastor (8/10):**
Bompastor strategically rested key players such as Millie Bright, Nathalie Bjorn, and Erin Cuthbert, effectively utilizing her squad depth to ensure a comfortable victory.