Karen Carney gives Chelsea upper hand in Champions League last-16 tie against Fiorentina

Karen Carney's ninth-minute penalty earned Chelsea a slender advantage in their Women's Champions League last-16 first-leg tie with Fiorentina.

Carney converted from the spot at Kingsmeadow for a 1-0 win ahead of the second leg at Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence on October 31.

German midfielder Stephanie Breitner was adjudged to have handled Erin Cuthbert's attempted cross from the right. Carney kept her composure to score under the dive of Fiorentina goalkeeper Stephanie Ohrstrom.

Chelsea may be frustrated not to have added to their advantage, but Swedish goalkeeper Ohrstrom made a string of fine saves, with Romana Bachmann, Fran Kirby, Erin Cuthbert, Millie Bright and Carney thwarted.

Unlike Chelsea's Women's Super League form, their Champions League results have been perfect after an 11-0 win over Sarajevo in the previous round.

The 1-0 win over Fiorentina comes just four days since a 5-0 humbling at the hands of Arsenal, a first league loss at home since July 2016.

Next up for Chelsea is a trip to Birmingham on Sunday.

Additional reporting by Press Association.