Catarina Macario Confident As Chelsea Advances To Champions League Quarter-Finals After Real Madrid Victory

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Catarina Macario expressed confidence about Chelsea's prospects in the Champions League quarter-finals. After coming off the bench, she scored two crucial penalties against Real Madrid, securing Chelsea's top position in Group B with an unblemished record. This victory marked the 16th win in 17 unbeaten matches for Sonia Bompastor since she succeeded Emma Hayes.

Despite falling behind when Scotland's Caroline Weir scored for Real Madrid in the first half, Chelsea managed a comeback. Macario acknowledged Real Madrid's strong start but was pleased with her impact on the game. "I went out knowing what I had to do," said Macario. "I wanted to have a positive impact and give my all, to give my team more options and bring energy."

Macario highlighted her determination to change the game's dynamics by increasing possession for Chelsea. She stated, "In the first half Real Madrid had a great performance. We needed to have more possession and I was prepared to change that." Her efforts were instrumental in turning the match around.

Looking ahead to the draw, Macario remains unfazed about potential opponents. "It doesn't matter who comes," she said confidently. "We are confident in our abilities." Her assurance reflects Chelsea's strong form under Bompastor's leadership.

Sonia Bompastor shared Macario's sentiments regarding their initial performance against Real Madrid. The coach admitted disappointment with their first-half display but praised her team's resilience during halftime discussions. "We were not very happy with our performance in the first half," said Bompastor.

Bompastor emphasised the importance of a strong mentality for winning matches. She noted how Macario's world-class abilities significantly influenced the game's outcome. "Macario is a world-class player; she changed the game," Bompastor remarked, acknowledging her player's confidence in scoring two penalties.

The team's ability to regroup at halftime and execute a successful strategy highlights their mental strength and adaptability under pressure. This resilience will be crucial as they advance further into the competition.