UWCL 2023-24: HAYES CLAIMS CHELSEA WAS ‘ROBBED’ FOLLOWING A 2-2 DRAW IN MADRID.

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes claimed her team was robbed of a win against Real Madrid in their Women’s Champions League opener on Wednesday after the Women’s Super League (WSL) champions were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw due to two questionable rulings.

After Olga Carmona’s 10th-minute goal for the hosts, Niamh Charles equalized for Chelsea, with Sam Kerr extending Chelsea’s lead in the second half, only for Madrid to be awarded a disputed penalty, which Carmona converted.

Chelsea’s rage was heightened when Charles’ extra-time winner was ruled out for offside.

The video assistant referee was unable to attend the game.

“I can’t remember the last time we were in a game like that when two humongous decisions like that have gone against us…that is a lot tonight,” Hayes said in a statement.

“I could see from the bench that the tackle was outside the box,” she added. I’m astounded that those in charge of the game didn’t notice. It’s difficult at this level when you’re in control of a game and key decisions like that go against you.”

Hayes, who is leaving Chelsea to join the United States women’s national team after 13 major trophies in 11 seasons, believes Chelsea should have won the game.

“We score a really legitimate goal,” Hayes explained.

“It’s humiliating. I had to find out why it was forbidden. Is that Niamh? No. Was Sam messing with the goalkeeper? She was around seven yards away and had nothing to do with the goalie. “I believe we were robbed of a 3-1 game,” she remarked.

Madrid coach Alberto Toril expressed satisfaction with a “well-deserved point.”

“They are a formidable foe.” Chelsea is a very powerful team with several strengths. This gives us some confidence for the forthcoming matches,” Toril added.

Chelsea is now second in Group D, while Madrid is third.

On Saturday, Chelsea will play Liverpool in the WSL.