Melanie Leupolz, the Chelsea star, was left with blood streaming from her face after a clash with Danielle van de Donk during the Champions League quarter-final clash with Lyon on Thursday night. The incident occurred in the 65th minute, and although Leupolz was on the floor clutching her head, play was allowed to continue around her. When the ball eventually went out of play, Leupolz rolled over to show blood streaming from her face following the challenge from ex-Arsenal star, Van de Donk. The 28-year-old received treatment for four minutes on the pitch before being replaced by Sophie Ingle in the 71st minute.
After the match, Leupolz took to social media with a light-hearted quip to reassure her supporters. Sharing to her Instagram story, she wrote: “At least the colour of my nails are fitting.” Despite being bandaged up, Leupolz was brought off just a few minutes later.
Taking a 1-0 lead into the second leg clash, Lyon took the game to extra time with a goal after 77 minutes, before taking the lead in extra-time. However, Maren Mjelde scored a penalty after 128 minutes to take the match to a shootout, with goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger the hero in a 4-3 penalty shootout victory.
With fans concerned about Leupolz after the match, it was reassuring to see her see the funny side of her bloodied face. It was a night that ultimately went Chelsea’s way, even if they were put through the ringer.
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