Chelsea Women and Aston Villa Women
6 September 2026
Aston Villa held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in the Women’s Super League opener, becoming the first Villa side to take league points from Chelsea. Lauren James scored early before Chelsea’s finishing problems allowed Villa back in.
Chelsea created 34 chances but put only eight on target and failed to turn their dominance into a decisive lead. Villa’s organised press later forced defensive confusion, producing the equaliser and denying the former champions an opening-weekend victory.