Ingle knows Blues must be flawless to tame Lyon

Sophie Ingle admits Chelsea cannot be anything less than flawless tonight when they tackle European champs Lyon.

Despite topping the Women's Super League, the Blues are underdogs going into the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in France. 

All-conquering Lyon have been crowned queens of Europe on a record eight occasions, including in six of the last seven seasons.

And while Wales skipper Ingle, 31, is relishing the opportunity to stun the holders, the deep-lying midfielder knows how tough it will be at the Groupama Stadium. 

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore, she said: "It's another massive game. We all know how good Lyon are but we're excited for it.

"You always want to play in these big games and big moments. I've heard they've got a good crowd coming, which should make the atmosphere even better.

"It's going to be a very tough match. I think it'll come down to if we get our defensive shape right and make it hard for them when they have the ball because they're very good in possession.

"Especially when they counter-attack, if we're sloppy in possession they'll potentially hurt us, so we have to get that right."

Back to the Bridge

Blues boss Emma Hayes will be keen to take a positive result into the return tie at Stamford Bridge on March 30.

Given her side usually play their home matches at the Kingsmeadow, which has a capacity of 4,850, it is certain to be a special occasion.

A crowd of more than 10,000 roared the Blues to a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain at the Bridge in December, which saw them seal top spot in Group A.

Ingle, who played a key role in Chelsea's run to the Champions League final in 2020-21, hopes a similar experience lies in store next week.

She added: "It's going to be amazing. It was a great atmosphere with a big crowd against PSG.

"Getting to experience Stamford Bridge is great for our fans and for some it's quite a lot closer to where they live, so it makes it a bit easier on the night.

"It's a huge stadium and hopefully we can pack it out as much as possible."

Fine margins

Arsenal's 2007 triumph remains the sole occasion an English club has won the Women's Champions League.

Yet with many of the game's top talent now plying their trade in the WSL, it should only be a matter of time before more teams follow suit. 

For Ingle, who has won more than 100 caps for her country, showing more adaptability against Europe's best is the key. 

She said: "I honestly think it's just fine margins at this level. European football is the next step up from league football. 

"It's a different way of playing. The referees are different. There are different types of opponents we don't play week in, week out.

"They have different styles so we have to learn and adapt as quickly as we can and adjust the way we're playing.

"We're used to playing in the WSL and know what to expect against teams here. But because we don't play in Europe as much, it's different.

"It's about us realising those differences and making little tweaks within our play to be the best on the night."