Chelsea Women opened their 2026/27 Barclays Women’s Super League campaign with a 1–1 draw against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea started strongly and took the lead in the 11th minute when Lauren James finished emphatically after the hosts won possession high up the pitch. Chelsea continued to dominate for much of the match, creating a number of chances and putting Aston Villa goalkeeper Akane Okuma under sustained pressure.
Aston Villa struggled to create opportunities but remained in the contest, with Okuma producing several important saves to keep her side within touching distance. Chelsea came close to doubling their lead after the break, including a long-range effort from Keira Walsh which struck the underside of the crossbar.
Villa eventually found an equaliser in the 79th minute when a loose ball inside the Chelsea penalty area ricocheted off Veerle Buurman and into her own net. Chelsea pushed for a late winner, but Okuma made another crucial save to deny James in the closing stages.
Neither side could find a decisive goal, with the match ending 1–1 at Stamford Bridge. The result gives Aston Villa their first-ever WSL point against Chelsea, while Chelsea will feel they had enough chances to take all three points from their opening league fixture.
