Soccer-Chelsea were ‘robbed’, says Hayes after Champions League draw at Madrid

(Reuters) – Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said her side were robbed of a win against Real Madrid in their Champions League opener after the Women’s Super League (WSL) champions had to settle for a 2-2 draw on Wednesday following two controversial decisions.

Niamh Charles put Chelsea level after Olga Carmona’s 10th-minute goal for the hosts, with Sam Kerr doubling Chelsea’s lead in the second half, only for Madrid to be awarded a controversial penalty, which was converted by Carmona.

Chelsea’s fury was heightened after an added-time winner from Charles was ruled out for offside.

Video assistant referee was not available for the match.

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

“I could see from the bench that the tackle was outside the box. I’m absolutely shocked that those managing the game couldn’t see that.

“At this level, when you are in control of a game and important decisions like that go against you, it makes it difficult.”

Hayes, who will leave Chelsea for the United States women’s national soccer team after 13 major trophies in 11 seasons at west London, said they should have won the game.

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

“It is embarrassing. I had to check why it was disallowed. Was it Niamh? No. Was it Sam interfering with the goalkeeper? She was about seven yards away, nowhere near the keeper.

“I think we’ve been robbed of what was a 3-1 game.”

Alberto Toril, Madrid’s coach, said they were happy with a “well-deserved point”.

“They are a great opponent. Chelsea are a very strong team with a lot of qualities.

“This helps us a bit to gain confidence in the upcoming matches.”

The draw left Chelsea second in Group D, while Madrid are third.

Chelsea next host Liverpool in the WSL on Saturday.

(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)