Ji So-Yun, pictured, scored first in France as Chelsea Ladies netted two vital away goals against Montpellier to give them a huge advantage in the home leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final on March 28.

Sub Erin Cuthbert headed a second on a great night for the club, playing in their silver away kit. It all means that Emma Hayes’ girls will reach the European semi-finals for the first time in their history if they keep their heads during second leg.

Montpellier started well, but keeper Hedvig Lindahl turned Virginia Torrecilla’s header on to the post before Ji made the breakthrough soon after the break, slotting home Fran Kirby’s through ball. Cuthbert doubled the lead with a low header from a corner.

The result was a triumph for the Chelsea defence, who resisted repeated Montpellier onslaughts.

With Lindahl back between the sticks, Maren Mjelde played in the centre with the tall figure of Maria Thorisdottir and Hannah Blundell as wing-backs. Jonna Andersson was cup-tied, while ex-Blue Sofia Jakobsson began up front for Montpellier.

“In the second half we started the stronger of the two teams,” said Emma. “We had a great opportunity, which we scored from, then we hit the post through [Ramona] Bachmann and had another good chance. We expected Montpellier to attack, but I think we finished the game as deserved winners, 2-0 is a good scoreline but it’s only half-time. We were coming up against one of the best attacking teams in Europe.”

Manchester United have announced that, belatedly, they are going to rejoin the Women’s Super League, entering League Two next season after sniffily boycotting the ladies game for 13 years.

Tickets for the floodlit Champions League semi-final leg against Montpellier at Kingsmeadow are on sale for Wednesday March 28 at £6 for adults, £3 concs. Visit: http://www.chelseafc.com/teams/chelsea-ladies/ticket-information.html