The two sides were evenly matched for large periods of the match, and the visitors managed to equalise within three minutes of Sam Kerr's opener. That took the tie to extra-time, and it was defender Naomi Girma who gave Chelsea the lead after 10 minutes in the additional period.

Bompastor explained why it meant so much to progress to the next round, and emphasised the importance of set-pieces when matches are tightly balanced.

'It's so special to be able to perform and to go through the next round in this competition,' said the head coach. 'It was a tough game. We were expecting that.

'But I think today we were the better team. We created a lot in the first half, but we didn't score. And that's maybe why the reason we had to wait until the last stage of the game. These matches are also about having these emotions, when you have to show great character to win the game.

'Set pieces are huge in the women's and the men's game at this level, and it's something we are really working hard on, and we will keep working on that, because again today it was the difference between the two teams.'

The Blues will face the same opponent once more on March 15 in the Women's League Cup final. While some may think that Chelsea have the advantage over Marc Skinner's side, Bompastor warned that the international break in between those matches could negate that factor.

'Usually, when you play the same team one week between the games, the psychological aspect is important, but because we have the international break, I think it will be a little bit different.

'I think both teams will be in a different place. The most important thing for us is to have all the players available, because again, we know if we have the depth and the players available, we have a lot of quality to perform in that game.'

Bompastor also took the time to praise Girma's performance and welcomed the return of Kadeisha Buchanan, who returned to action after 15 months out with an ACL injury when she came on at the beginning of extra-time.

'I'm really delighted for Nay, especially because she is an important player for us. She's a great leader. Coming into a new team, sometimes it takes time for you to settle in, and even if she had a great debut, sometimes things don't always go like this.

'She had some injuries, which may have affected her confidence a little bit, and for me, as a manager, having her at the best level will help a lot for us to perform and win trophies. So that's what I'm hoping for, for her to stay fit, available, and perform at her best.

Bompastor added: 'It’s really important to have Kadeisha back because she's also a great leader. She's an important player for us. She was able to come into the team today to play a tough game and bring her impact in the game.

'She was confident, she's a great defender, and she has a lot of quality with the ball as well. So, for me, again, going into the business end of the season, we need as many players as possible available.'