The Blues went into yesterday's fixture at Stamford Bridge knowing victory would move us into top spot in Group D. Unfortunately, despite dominating possession, creating chances, and striking the woodwork, the contest ended without a goal.

It's a result that leaves Chelsea second in the group after three matches. There is work to be done if Hayes's side is to progress to the quarter-finals of the European competition once again.

'I thought we started the game well; there was a lot of energy, which was good, considering the weekend result [against Arsenal],' Hayes said after the stalemate.

'We had 27 penalty-box entries in the first half but just two shots. Our execution in the final third was the poorest part of our play, and I said that at half time.

'I don’t think it got much better in the second half, maybe in the last ten or 15 minutes. But we’re going to have to go to Gothenburg to get a result.'

Hayes added: 'When you have moments that are a bit tricky in a season – and you can’t go through a season completely perfectly – you get to see the character of the players come through.

'I could tell from the way the team started, they wanted to do the right things. But for whatever reason, players who are very good football players struggled to do the basics tonight.’

The biggest positive to take from the game was Guro Reiten's return to the starting XI. The Norway international completed 74 minutes as she continued to build her match fitness following injury.

‘I thought she was one of the stronger performers tonight,' said Hayes. 'It was great to have her back. She’s such an important player, so it’s great to have her.’