Chelsea Women were already enjoying a comfortable 2-0 lead over Ajax in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League quarterfinals when forward Catarina Macario came on for Lauren James in the 74th minute.
Macario, 24, is still in the early stages of her comeback after 641 days off the pitch following an ACL injury, but her performances so far made the substitution feel almost too indulgent — one of the best young players in the world (James) being replaced by another one (Macario) with something to prove.
It didn’t take her long to make an impact. Macario’s assist to Sjoeke Nusken’s second goal in the 88th minute, a gorgeous parabolic cross that was always destined for the German midfielder’s head, was another sign of her renaissance and a final dagger in a 3-0 win over the Dutch side.
“She’s gifted,” Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said after the match, noting that Macario’s preternatural ability to drift out wide and deliver high-quality crosses was similar to that of James.
Macario’s recent appearances as a substitute might suggest she’s ready to increase her match time. Her WSL debut goal against Leicester City in her first post-surgery appearance was followed by a go-ahead goal against Everton in the FA Cup quarterfinal. Then came last night’s stunning…
