It’s been a positive start to the season for Chelsea, who remain unbeaten in all competitions and sit level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Women’s Super League table.
But they have been tested in their opening league phase matches in the Champions League after navigating the qualifying stage.
They have come up against well-organised defences, who have often sat back in low blocks and asked questions of their creativity.
It is testament to Chelsea’s ability to grind out results that they come away from round three with an unbeaten record still intact and remaining in a strong position to progress.
Bompastor admitted this week the Champions League “is at a different level” and her side were made to work again by Roma.
Chelsea performed well in the first half, creating numerous opportunities through James and Thompson in particular, while Kaptein skewed an effort over from close range.
They pinned Roma inside their own half – only a mistake by Veerle Buurman allowed visiting captain Giada Greggi to break, but Erin Cuthbert made an excellent sliding block to kill the move.
Goalkeeper Hampton was also in good form, spraying dangerous passes into the opposition half, setting up Beever-Jones with a glorious chance that she couldn’t take, and constantly breaking through Roma’s midfield with piercing balls from inside her box.
A lack of clinical edge was the only thing missing, but Bompastor still had big names to introduce off the bench and Carpenter had an instant impact when the Australian came on for her 50th appearance in the competition.
Chelsea might have been frustrated the scoreline did not reflect their superiority, but Buchanan’s goal rounded off a comfortable evening at Plough Lane.
The Blues are starting to build some real momentum and look like a team who will be tough to beat this season.