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LONDON, UK — Chelsea’s club record signing, Alyssa Thompson, announced her arrival on the biggest stage, scoring her debut goal and grabbing an assist in a commanding Champions League victory over Paris FC at Stamford Bridge.
The 20-year-old American attacker, whose transfer came with hefty expectations, finally got off the mark in her seventh appearance, capping an impressive performance that helped Chelsea secure a much-needed dominant win.
Thompson, playing as a winger, demonstrated her pace and agility throughout the match, expertly setting up Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s goal before tapping home an excellent delivery from Keira Walsh for her first strike in a Chelsea shirt.
Despite the influential performance, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor believes the team has yet to see Thompson’s full potential.
“A young player, a lot of talent, but I think we haven’t seen yet the best of her, but hopefully we will see that soon,” Bompastor said. The manager noted that Thompson is still adjusting to a new environment, new teammates, and connecting with players on the pitch.
Former Chelsea star Fran Kirby, now at Brighton, commented that the first goal will put the young star at “ease,” while ex-Scotland captain Rachel Corsie predicted that the “floodgates will open” now that Thompson has broken her duck.
“Getting that assist and goal will make her feel a little bit more at ease going into the next game. A little bit of pressure off,” Kirby said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Thompson herself expressed relief and optimism, stating she feels she is starting to build “rhythm” with her new club. “I’m happy I am starting to get my rhythm with Chelsea, being able to play more games playing as a winger. I am happy with the performances and hopefully I can get better,” she told Uefa.
The emphatic victory—the second time this season Chelsea has scored four or more goals—was a powerful statement following an unconvincing start to the campaign. Chelsea had previously drawn their Champions League opener against Twente and were held by Manchester United in the league.
Captain Millie Bright felt the team finally “got their mojo back” against Paris FC. Midfielder Erin Cuthbert, who also scored, confirmed the team was told to be more clinical.
Manager Bompastor attributed the earlier dip in form to player fatigue, with many key members struggling to recover mentally and physically after Euro 2025.
“We had some big injuries with some big players in the squad also,” she added.
Thompson believes the team has changed its approach in the last two games, saying they played “more as a team than individuals.”
Corsie agreed, noting the performance was “indicative of a team that feels a few people have been criticising their performances, and I think they wanted to set that straight. Four brilliant goals, four brilliant scorers.”