Chelsea’s quadruple aspirations were left in shreds in the Women’s Champions League semi-final, with FC Barcelona claiming an 8-2 aggregate victory with a decisive 4-1 victory in the second leg at Stamford Bridge. In front of 26,702 people, Chelsea had taken a risk and dreamed of a record turn-around following their 4-1 defeat in the first leg, but Barcelona’s class and clinical finishing proved too much for the Blues, who were outplayed throughout the game.
The Blues went into the second leg hoping to turn around a three-goal deficit. They had to win by a margin of three or more to stand any chance of reaching the final. But Barcelona soon dashed those hopes of a comeback. Chelsea threatened early, with Sandy Baltimore’s scuffed shot and Sjoeke Nüsken’s strike saved, but Barcelona took advantage of Chelsea’s squandered chances.
Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí landed the initial blow. Racing down the left flank, she drove into the box and shot past Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton at her near post to give Barcelona a 1-0 advantage. The goal deflated Chelsea, and things got worse 18 minutes later when Barcelona scored twice in rapid succession.
Ewa Pajor completed a fine team move to score it 2-0, and Clàudia Pina made it 3-0 with an individual masterclass piece of skill, curling a shot into the far corner. Chelsea had no answer to Barcelona’s ruthless attacking, and by half-time their comeback dream had all but disappeared.
Ruthlessness of Barcelona and Frustration for Chelsea
The second half was Chelsea playing for pride, but Barcelona still dominated. Chelsea almost made the comeback when substitute Catarina Macário fired a low shot that went just wide, and Lucy Bronze had a header saved by Barcelona’s goalkeeper Cata Coll. It was evident, however, the comeback was no longer on the cards.
Barcelona added Chelsea’s agony when Salma Paralluelo took advantage of an error at the back by Niamh Charles to make it 4-0. Chelsea did score a consolation goal in stoppage time, as Wieke Kaptein finished well to get the crowd going again, but it was too late. Maika Hamano had a late opportunity, but Barcelona’s dominance was clear throughout.
A Humbling Third Consecutive Semi-Final Exit
Barcelona have knocked Chelsea out of the Women’s Champions League semi-finals for the third consecutive season. While poor refereeing decisions frustrated Chelsea last year, Barcelona clearly outplayed them this season. Their superior team play, clinical finishing, and individual spark gave Chelsea absolutely no hope of turning the result around.
For Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor, the loss was particularly tough. Hired to bring Champions League victory to Chelsea—a competition she has won at Lyon as a player and now as a manager—the defeat underscored the difference between Chelsea and powerhouse Barcelona. Though successful at home, with the potential Women’s Super League title, Chelsea’s inability to stand up to Barcelona on the European stage was a significant reminder of the challenges they have to overcome.
Though Chelsea’s domestic aspirations are still in place, with the Women’s Super League still attainable, their inability to hoist the Champions League trophy will hurt. Bompastor’s need to get better and her competitive nature are evident, and Chelsea will have to utilize this bitter loss as motivation to construct a better team that can compete with Barcelona in the future.
Chelsea’s Women’s Champions League semi-final defeat was a reality check, with Barcelona’s dominance illustrating just how much Chelsea have to improve. Although they dashed Chelsea’s quadruple hopes, the setbacks haven’t affected the Blues’ domestic ambitions. In the future, the club will have to learn from this defeat and construct a team that can compete with Europe’s best.
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