Hayes hails Chelsea as “bright minds” while Reit and Cuthbert shine in Champions League win over Lyon

EMMA HAYES hailed Chelsea for being under pressure after a dismal 1-0 away win over Lyon.

Her side suffered injury damage when Millie Bright was scheduled for a scan after limping away during the Champions League quarter-game.

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But Guro Reit’s stunning goal from Erin Cuthbert’s tenacious assist ensured the Blues celebrated a first-leg win ahead of their return at Stamford Bridge.

Hayes said, “Erin hasn’t played since the Continental Cup Finals. She had a hamstring injury.

“She wasn’t back in training with the team until Monday so I didn’t really know what her legs would be like but she has the heart of a lion

“She delivered the job we were looking for.

“I’m used to seeing that of Erin putting Guro in position (to score).

“I said to Guro, ‘What a fabulous right foot you have.’ Maybe you could use it a little more often.”

It remains to be seen whether Bright will be fit for the second leg and the WSL clash between Chelsea and Manchester City on Sunday.

The Blues runner-up was eliminated in the 44th minute after clutching her knee after a duel for the ball.

And it could make England sweat given the centre-back’s fitness when the Lionesses take on Brazil and Australia in April.

Hayes added: “Millie will be scanned on Thursday. I know she couldn’t go on.”

Lyon had the most shots in the first half hour and benefited from a few bad passes from the visitors.

Eugenie Le Sommer fired wide from a shot in the 11th minute, with Lindsey Horan’s shot prompting a save from Ann-Katrin moments later.

But it was Chelsea who took the lead with Cuthbert nutmeg Damaris Egurrola before a back pass on horseback.

The Blues winger made no mistake as he put a stunning shot into the top corner past Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler in the 28th minute.

Hayes’ side nearly doubled their lead when Lauren James hit the post shortly after.

In the second period, the Blues increased the pressure when Magda Eriksson headed away Horan’s header in the 53rd minute.

Cuthbert almost scored shortly after, when she forced a save from Endler with her solid shot.

Chelsea nearly conceded after passing the ball to Delphine Cascarino, who hit the woodwork with 28 minutes remaining.

And Ann-Katrin Berger prevented an equalizer after a header from Sara Dabritz.

The visitors held out tenaciously to seal a result that puts them one step closer to a place in the semi-finals.

Hayes added, “The pressures are moments that reveal your character, wisdom, knowledge and experience.

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“I think the team delivered those qualities under pressure.

“I also believe that if you build consistency in your habits every day, every day is a Champions League game

“We’ve gotten used to the competition and played smart.”