Liverpool stun champions Chelsea on emphatic return to Women’s Super League

Liverpool earned a stunning 2-1 victory over Chelsea on their return to the Women’s Super League.

The Reds were playing their first WSL match since 2020, having been relegated to the Championship two seasons ago.

They went on a 19-match winning streak to earn promotion back to the top flight last season, and added a number of impressive signings over the summer.

But few would have predicted Liverpool to beat Chelsea on the first day of the season, especially after Matt Beard’s side went 1-0 down in the third minute.

Gilly Flaherty fouled Guro Reiten in the penalty box in the opening moments of the game, with Fran Kirby successfully converting the spot kick.

A rout was on the cards, and Liverpool were fortunate to see Sam Kerr’s half-volley into the back of the net ruled offside. But the Reds impressed defensively to prevent Chelsea from scoring any more goals in the first half.

The dynamics of the match changed when Liverpool were awarded a penalty in the 67th minute. Megan Campbell had launched a long throw into the Chelsea box and the resulting chaos saw the ball hit Millie Bright’s hand.

Their first goal back in the #BarclaysWSL and who else but @ksteng12!Look what it means to @LiverpoolFCW! pic.twitter.com/8sieA7ZzJc

Katie Stengel stepped up to take the penalty, sending goalkeeper Zećira Mušović the wrong way.

The American was then called upon to score the winner after she was fouled by Kadeisha Buchanan in the box.

With just three minutes left on the clock, Stengel showed nerves of steel to calmly put Liverpool in front.

The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among a record 3,006 fans at Prenton Park.

Wow!A second for @ksteng12! pic.twitter.com/ARCH5vJeX8

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