Chelsea was “robbed of a 3-1 win” over Real Madrid- Emma Hayes

Hayes’ team was held 2-2 by Olga Carmona’s penalty, but there was late drama when Niamh Charles’ disputed effort was disallowed in stoppage time.

In the tenth minute, Carmona gave Real the lead, but the Blues responded with two headers before halftime, with Charles first tying the score and then setting up Sam Kerr.

However, a few moments later, Carmona—who scored Spain’s winning goal against England in the World Cup final this summer—converted from the penalty spot after Athenea del Castillo was deemed to have been fouled by Jessie Fleming, despite the fact that replays revealed the challenge occurred outside the box.

Referee Frida Klarlund signalled for a penalty, and Carmona skilfully put it past Berger without the use of a video assistant.

Hayes was even more irritated when Charles’ second goal of the game in the 95th minute was ruled to have been offside. Although she appeared to be onside, replays suggested that Sam Kerr might have been tampering with the game because he was in front of the final defender.

“I could see that the tackle [for the penalty decision] was outside the box,” Hayes stated from the bench. I’m really surprised that the people in charge of the game weren’t able to see that.

We took a 2-1 lead. Next is the free-kick that was given due to a foul. Then, with Niamh Charles three or four yards onside, we score a really good goal.

“I had to see if Niamh was the reason it was rejected. Nope. Was Sam trying to sabotage the goalie? She was nowhere near the ‘keeper, approximately seven yards away.

“That is awkward. I needed to find out why it was forbidden. I have absolutely no understanding of the decision. We were robbed of a 3-1 game, in my opinion.”

As Chelsea failed to achieve a winning start to their final Champions League campaign before Hayes departs at the conclusion of the season to take up the position of head coach in the United States, substitute Lauren James struck the crossbar.

The west London team, who haven’t won this competition among the many trophies they’ve won under Hayes, came closest as runners-up in 2021. On Saturday, they play again in the Women’s Super League at Stamford Bridge against Liverpool, and five days later, they play again in Group D at the same venue against Paris FC.

In the pool’s first match on Wednesday, Paris FC lost 2-1 to BK Hacken of Sweden at home.