Chelsea came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 and top their Women's Champions League group with a 100 per cent record.
Two second-half Catarina Macario penalties were enough to give the WSL leaders the win in the Spanish capital.
Like in their draw against Leicester in the WSL on Saturday, the Blues needed to come from behind to secure their place as Group B winners. Real Madrid knew anything but a win would see them finish in second place.
The hosts made a perfect start too when Hannah Hampton - making her first Champions League appearance of the season - failed to deal with Caroline Weir's shot (8). The ball bounced behind her and over the line after a weak attempt to bat it away.
Both sides could have scored the next goal in the first half - Guro Reiten forcing a fine stop from Misa Rodriguez, while Olga Carmona dragged a shot just wide.
Real Madrid's Caroline Weir, left, celebrates with her teammates after scoring the first goal against Chelsea during the women's Champions League, group B soccer match between Real Madrid and Chelsea at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Image: Caroline Weir opened the scoring for Real Madrid
The Real Madrid captain had a nightmare start to the second period, giving away two penalties inside the first 10 minutes that ultimately decided the contest.
The first saw Carmona trip half-time substitute Macario, who took the spot kick. She sent it high into the net (51), sending Rodriguez the wrong way.
Chelsea's Catarina Macario, left, scores a goal from penalty during the women's Champions League, group B soccer match between Real Madrid and Chelsea at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Image: Chelsea's Catarina Macario scores a goal from penalty spot
Minutes later, Carmona was penalised for a harsh handball, and with no VAR in women's club football, the decision could not be reviewed. Macario scored in an almost identical manner to see Chelsea ahead (56).
Despite Real Madrid's plethora of chances - the best coming from Naomie Feller as she flashed an effort past the far post - they were unable to find the goals needed to leapfrog the Blues.
Chelsea's Catarina Macario, left, celebrates after scoring a goal from penalty during the women's Champions League, group B soccer match between Real Madrid and Chelsea at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Image: Catarina Macario has now scored three Champions League goals for Chelsea this season
They finish second in Group B on 12 points. Chelsea meanwhile collect the full 18 points from their group campaign and sign off 2024 with victory.
More to follow...