In an electrifying display of power and precision, Chelsea Women dismantled newly promoted Crystal Palace with a staggering 7-0 victory at Selhurst Park on September 27, 2024. This match marked a crucial moment for both teams in the Women’s Super League (WSL), particularly for Crystal Palace who were facing their toughest opponent yet in their first home game at the top tier.

Catarina Macario made a triumphant return to the Chelsea lineup after recovering from a knee injury that had kept her sidelined during the US Women's National Team’s Olympic gold medal victory. Her comeback was nothing short of spectacular, contributing significantly to the team's dominant performance.

Chelsea came out with intent, although it took until the 38th minute for them to find the back of the net. Aggie Beever-Jones broke the deadlock just when it seemed that the Blues were struggling to convert their chances, with 11 shots but only a single goal to show for it at that point. Their opponents, Crystal Palace, battled in defence, struggling with communication and leaving them exposed to a skilled Chelsea attack.

Lucy Bronze, making waves in her return to the WSL, doubled Chelsea's lead with an impressive long-range effort just two minutes into the second half. This goal sparked a relentless scoring spree, as Chelsea capitalized on Palace’s defensive frailty, netting six goals in the second half alone.

Lauren James showcased her talent as she found the net following a clever assist from substitute Mayra Ramírez. Following this, an avalanche of goals ensued, with Guro Reiten netting a brace and Nathalie Björn scoring from a well-executed corner. Macario, not only a goal scorer but also a key player in the buildup of several goals, sealed the deal by scoring Chelsea's final goal in stoppage time.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor expressed pride in her squad's performance while acknowledging areas for improvement. 'When you have a good team performance, it’s easier for individual players to shine,' she noted. Bompastor emphasized the importance of clinical finishing, stating that Chelsea’s struggle to convert their chances in the first half needed mental adjustments.

For Crystal Palace, the road ahead looks daunting. After suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in their opening match of the WSL, this latest defeat has raised questions about their ability to compete at this level. The Eagles will need to regroup and address their defensive shortcomings if they hope to turn their fortunes around.

Looking forward, Chelsea is gearing up for a challenging UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign, with their group stage opponents revealed as Celtic, FC Twente, and last season’s group mate, Real Madrid. With their current form, Chelsea looks poised to take the league by storm, and as they showed against Palace, they won’t be holding back anytime soon.

This match not only cements Chelsea's status as title contenders but highlights the pressing challenges facing newly-promoted sides in the WSL. The question remains: can Crystal Palace bounce back and find their footing in one of the toughest leagues in women’s football? Only time will tell.