The Blues were held to a goalless draw at a bitterly cold Kingsmeadow in the latest round of European action, with Chelsea the more likely to find a winner after hitting the woodwork twice and going close on numerous other occasions in a dominant display.

The Italian side managed to keep the clean sheet they craved, meaning they can still progress to the knockout stages while we remain top, three points clear of Juve and Wolfsburg, who beat Servette in the other Group A fixture. We will be certain of moving into the last eight if we avoid defeat away against the German side in the final group game next week.

Hayes said the team’s performance was remarkable given the quick turnaround after Sunday’s FA Cup final victory over Arsenal.

‘The players were amazing,’ Hayes said.

‘They are disappointed that we haven’t won and I totally get that but how can I be frustrated with them?

‘Sometimes we have to acknowledge it’s a good point gained, considering all the factors. We’re not superhuman.

‘That was Sam Kerr’s third game in seven days. One was in Australia, one was at Wembley and one against Juventus.

‘After the euphoric feeling on Sunday and juat one day’s training, fair play to the players; they were immense.’

Hayes said the game played out ‘exactly as expected’, with Juve packing players behind the ball and showing little attacking ambition.

‘We were the team that pushed for goals,’ she added. ‘Their goalkeeper was their best player. They played with eight or nine players inside their box for most of the game.

‘When you are playing in games when you are so dominant, one moment can go in their favour and I thought the defensive effort from the team was superb.’

Hayes said confidence was high for the vital game in Germany next Thursday and the team had learned so much from the group stage already.

‘We are in the driving seat going into the last game,’ added the boss. ‘We are in the position we want to be in. It’s about qualifying from the group now.

‘We believe in our ability and we are getting so many good experiences.

‘Sometimes playing the best teams in the world is the best thing because you get exposed and get to work on your vulnerabilities.

‘I still think we have another gear in us.’

Before we play Wolfsburg, we face Reading away in the Women’s Super League on Saturday morning.