MACARIO STARS AS CHELSEA BEAT REAL MADRID

Catarina Macario came off the bench to score twice from the penalty spot as Chelsea came from behind to beat Real Madrid and seal top spot in Group B of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Both teams had already qualified for the knockout stages prior to kick-off, with only their order in Group B to be determined on the night, and Chelsea’s first-half display was notable for its lack of intensity.

Real took the lead early when Hannah Hampton couldn’t keep out the excellent Caroline Weir’s shot, and Los Blancos had the better of a first half that saw a scattering of chances at each end.

But half-time substitute Macario transformed the game as the English visitors started the second half with a markedly increased tempo.

The USA international had a goal ruled out for offside just moments after the restart, and had scored twice from the spot just 11 minutes into her time on the field, twice shooting high to the keeper’s left with Olga Carmona giving away both spot kicks.

Real Madrid threw players forward in an increasingly frenzied second half as they went in search of the preferred qualifying spot in Group B, but Chelsea held firm to continue their impressive run in the competition and qualify with six wins from six.