Chelsea

Chelesa 1 Barcelona 4 (Agg 2-8)

This was presupposed to be the season Chelsea lastly discovered a option to beat Barcelona.

Every year they’ve gotten nearer to the European Champions. That they had misplaced out by a single aim in successive campaigns, though it was final season, the place they received away from residence and misplaced out to a penalty within the return leg, the place they actually gave Barcelona a scare.

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Their domination within the Girls’s Tremendous League, the place they continue to be unbeaten, new supervisor Sonia Bompastor’s expertise in Europe and a spending spree in January had given optimism that this was their time to win a primary Champions League trophy.

However after two heavy defeats in every leg, they give the impression of being additional away from Barcelona than they ever have.

The Catalans had been cruel at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea had created two clear goal-scoring alternatives within the first 20 minutes, of which they took neither, that might have helped mount a attainable comeback. However Aitana Bonmati ended all hope of a miracle when, after being given the liberty of Stamford Bridge, she made it 5-1 on combination after 25 minutes. Ewa Pajor and Claudia Pina made it 3-0 earlier than half-time, then a defensive calamity noticed Salma Paralluelo add a fourth within the closing levels to finish Chelsea’s quadruple hopes in humiliating vogue. Barcelona may have had extra within the second half had been it not for 3 spectacular saves from Hannah Hampton. Wieke Kaptein’s comfort aim at the very least gave the house followers one thing to have fun.

For all the cash Chelsea have spent on their squad, they nonetheless appeared gentle up entrance and weak on the again. The continued absence of Sam Kerr, who has not featured since December 2023 on account of an anterior cruciate ligament harm, has not been felt extra keenly than in these two legs. Chelsea have coped effectively with out Kerr however in each of those video games they had been crying out for her goalscoring intuition within the field. Lauren James, who has been sidelined for the reason that worldwide break with a hamstring harm, was additionally a giant miss. Chelsea nonetheless had loads of choices however none of them had been nearly as good because the forwards Barcelona had been capable of name upon.

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Naomi Girma, Chelsea’s document signing, made her first begin within the Champions League however she isn’t but absolutely match. Throughout the 2 legs, Chelsea’s backline merely couldn’t deal with Barcelona’s attacking threats.

As unhealthy as this was for Chelsea, it doesn’t take the shine off what has been a largely spectacular first season for Bompastor. They might nonetheless finish the marketing campaign with three trophies, together with a sixth successive league title. The extra time Bompastor has, the higher her group ought to turn out to be. However the situation is Barcelona present no indicators of slowing down. How Cheslea discover a option to beat them is a puzzle they’re no nearer to fixing.

04:19 PM BST‘The feelings are uncooked’

Erin Cuthbert on TNT Sports activities: “The feelings are fairly uncooked proper now. They beat us truthful and sq.. We had a great spell for 20 minutes and if you happen to don’t rating, Barcelona will go up the opposite finish and harm you. They had been sensible once more at the moment. They’re so scientific: three probabilities and three targets.

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“We had been taking part in for a little bit of delight [in the second half]. We had been 3-0 down and the tie was in all probability gone due to that nevertheless it was about taking part in with delight.

“We’ll use this as gas and motivation. We’ve nonetheless received two trophies to play for.”

04:05 PM BST‘They misplaced their heads’

Karen Carney says Chelsea “misplaced their heads” in each legs and that they had been “everywhere in the store” defensively, which gave Barcelona too many alternatives.

Carney added: “It has been so disappointing watching this Chelsea group. They are going to be sat there pondering we massively received this unsuitable.”

03:54 PM BST‘Embarrassing for Chelsea’

Fara Williams isn’t mincing her phrases on TNT Sports activities, saying that the 2 legs have been “embarrassing” for Chelsea.

03:53 PM BSTFull-time: Chelsea 1 Barca 4 (Agg 2-8)

A grim day for Chelsea and their await a primary European trophy goes on. As within the first leg, they had been completely outclassed by Barcelona, who ease via to yet one more European remaining.

03:50 PM BSTGoal! Chelsea lastly rating

Kaptein (90+1min): Lastly one thing for the Chelsea followers to cheer. Kaptein delivers an excellent end however it’s, in fact, far too little, far too late.

03:49 PM BSTGoal! Paralluelo completes the rout

Paralluelo (90min): Poor defending once more from Chelsea as Charles is caught ball-watching near the aim and Paralluelo pounces to fireside in Barcelona’s fourth.

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It’s now Chelsea 0 Barcelona 4 (Agg 1-8)

03:47 PM BST88min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

Then Macario has a good likelihood when receiving the ball simply contained in the field however she takes too lengthy to settle herself when she ought to have taken the quick instantly.

03:46 PM BST86min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

Bronze connects effectively with the ball on the far put up after a Chelsea nook however the header is saved by Coll.

03:43 PM BST84min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

Hampton once more delivers a key block as Paralluelo finds herself one-on-one with the Chelsea keeper within the field.

03:41 PM BSTHampton making essential saves

Chelsea have Hannah Hampton to thank for the rating staying at 3-0. Two huge saves on this second half. Chelsea have at the very least stored going nevertheless it does really feel as if Barcelona have eased off considerably.

03:38 PM BST79min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

Simply as the sport reaches one thing of a lull, Barcelona come near scoring their fourth. A Hampton save rapidly adopted by a Charles block on the road prevents the guests’ benefit rising even wider.

03:34 PM BST75min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

Nusken shoots from lengthy vary however lacks the facility to check Coll as she slips whereas making contact with the ball.

03:32 PM BST73min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

Each groups seeking to counter rapidly once they get possession in the midst of the pitch however neither are capable of maintain onto the ball lengthy sufficient to carve out an opportunity.

03:25 PM BST66min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

Nice break from Chelsea to provide themselves an opportunity however Macario fires huge. Then Rolfo blocks one other shot to provide Chelsea a nook – however that simply hits the aspect netting.

03:23 PM BST64min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

Hampton reacts effectively to cease Barcelona including one other as she saves from Pajor at shut vary.

03:21 PM BST61min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

Little surprise that the Barcelona followers are already celebrating within the Stamford Bridge stands. They’ve been completely dominant on this match.

03:14 PM BST55min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

Nusken wins again possession on the sting of the field and fires a shot on the Barcelona aim, however – as has typically been the case on this match – the shot is excessive and Coll is untroubled.

03:12 PM BST53min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

Aggie Beever-Jones makes a constructive break into the field and appeals for a penalty after being felled. However the referee decides on a Barcelona goalkick.

03:10 PM BST51min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

Rolfo very almost scored Barcelona’s fourth there as she discovered herself in area however her shot goes over the road.

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That’s now 10 pictures from the guests, in comparison with 5 from the hosts, however crucially Barcelona have transformed three of them.

03:04 PM BST46min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

The second half is underway and Sonia Bompastor has turned to her bench, bringing on Lawrence and Beever-Jones within the hope of turning the tide. Or at the very least limiting the waves of assault.

03:00 PM BSTHalf-time verdict: Chelsea taking part in for delight

Chelsea are simply taking part in for delight now. They gave up after Aitana Bonmati’s aim and Barcelona picked them off with ease. They appear within the temper to maintain scoring too. Their quarter-final win over Wolfsburg completed with an combination rating of 10-2. There’s an opportunity they might higher that right here if Chelsea don’t get themselves collectively.

02:51 PM BSTHalf-time: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

It’s about avoiding humiliation for Chelsea now. These two quick-fire targets simply earlier than the break have ended this as a contest however can the hosts comprise the defending champions within the second half? If not, it will get even uglier.

02:46 PM BST45min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 3 (Agg 1-7)

There’s the third earlier than half-time! Chelsea are simply strolling about and Pina has time and area to ship a improbable effort into the highest nook.

02:45 PM BSTGoal! Pina makes it three

Pina (43min): Pina is the event’s document goal-scorer and one other fast break leaves Chelsea uncovered. Pina fires in from lengthy vary and Hampton can solely watch because it hits the again of the web.

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Lower than two minutes between these targets.

02:43 PM BSTGoal! Pajor doubles the lead

Pajor (41min): Barcelona move alongside the highest of the field after which nice ball in from Hansen, which Pajor faucets in.

No matter slim hope Chelsea could have had of overcoming the deficit has certainly been snuffed out now.

A second aim for Barcelona on the day and it’s now 6-1 on combination. Chelsea look defeated and also you concern this might get ugly for them.

02:37 PM BST35min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 1 (Agg 1-5)

Thus far Barcelona have dealt comfortably with every part Chelsea have thrown at them and the precision of their passing is permitting them to maintain possession for respectable durations too.

02:30 PM BST28min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 1 (Agg 1-5)

Chelsea have upped their depth across the Barcelona aim however nonetheless can’t discover the web. Baltimore’s tame shot simply stopped by Coll.

02:28 PM BSTGoal! Bonmati extends Barcelona benefit

Bonmati (25min): Barcelona so fast on the counter-attack and Bonmati is presented a great deal of area, which she exploits to interrupt clear. She then fires in a phenomenal aim from contained in the field.

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And that’s what Barcelona can do! You must query why Vivid backed away from Bonmati there after she had received previous Charles. It was an invite to shoot and Bonmati took it. An uphill battle now, if it wasn’t already!

02:25 PM BST23min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 0 (Agg 1-4)

Mayra Ramirez nice break down the fitting however Barcelona then clear.

Thirty seconds later, is compelled right into a save from Sjoeke Nusken.

Greatest spell of the sport so removed from Chelsea.

Two huge probabilities for Chelsea! Baltimore couldn’t get a powerful sufficient connection on her shot then Nusken simply appeared to lose steadiness as she compelled Coll right into a save. The gang actually getting behind Chelsea right here, they should rating whereas they’re on prime.

02:20 PM BST17min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 0 (Agg 1-4)

Nook to Barcelona after one other defensive error from Chelsea – precisely what the hosts could have needed to keep away from.

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Bronze handed again to Hannah Hampton however the goalkeeper was not the place her defender thought she can be and the ball rolled out for a nook.

Pajor will get an opportunity from the nook however shoots excessive, a lot to Chelsea’s reduction.

02:14 PM BSTPromising begin from Chelsea

This has been a good begin from Chelsea. They’ve appeared energetic and are taking part in some good stuff. It’s simply the ultimate ball that’s letting them down.

02:11 PM BST9min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 0 (Agg 1-4)

Free-kick to the hosts after Lucy Bronze is upended as Barcelona threaten within the Chelsea field – once more.

Thus far the guests are discovering it simpler to take play deep into the opponents’ half.

02:07 PM BST5min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 0 (Agg 1-4)

An early signal of how harmful Barcelona are as Aitana Bonmati manages to get a shot away, nevertheless it sails effectively over the bar.

02:05 PM BST3min: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 0 (Agg 1-4)

Sandy Baltimore makes Chelsea’s first incursion in direction of the guests’ field however it’s handled effectively by Barcelona.

02:01 PM BSTKick-off: Chelsea 0 Barcelona 0 (Agg 1-4)

Barcelona are lining up in a neon inexperienced strip at Stamford Bridge whereas Chelsea are of their traditional blue.

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All of the formalities are executed, together with a minute’s silence for Pope Francis, and Pajor will get issues underway.

01:46 PM BSTChelsea’s document signing in from the beginning

A primary begin within the Champions League for Chelesa’s document signing Naomi Girma at the moment.

It’s been a troublesome begin for the US worldwide. She picked up an harm on her debut and made her return as a second-half substitute in Barcelona final weekend.

They might actually do with a giant efficiency from the defender at the moment and she or he can even be seeking to make her mark.

Chelsea’s Naomi Girma at Stamford Bridge – AP/Dave Shopland

01:43 PM BSTSome extra of Bompastor’s pre-match ideas

We’ll go for it. I feel that is a part of the membership’s DNA nevertheless it’s additionally out mentality. We’ll be taking part in at residence and we’ll attempt to do our greatest to have the ability to be able to attain targets.

However we additionally comprehend it’s actually essential to not concede. That’s the massive problem however we’re prepared for it.

We’ll need to take dangers to have the ability to rating. I do know inside my squad, I’ve quite a lot of expertise and high quality. The gamers who will begin the sport must present that expertise tomorrow. However I do know we’re able to doing that.

01:33 PM BSTCrowd of 25,000 at Stamford Bridge

There ought to be a great environment in Stamford Bridge, with round 25,000 tickets bought. Can Chelsea lastly get previous Barcelona? They might want to produce the perfect efficiency of their historical past to achieve subsequent month’s remaining in Lisbon.

01:23 PM BSTTeam information

Chelsea Girls: Hampton, Bronze, Girma, Vivid, Charles, Walsh, Nusken, Kaneryd, Cuthbert, Baltimore, RamirezSubs: Spencer, Cox, Lawrence, Mpome, Kaptein, Jean-Francois, Hamano, Reiten, Lola Brown, Macario, Beever-Jones

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Barcelona Girls: Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Leon, Rolfo, Bonmati, Guijarro, Putellas, Hansen, Pajor, PinaSubs: Gemma Font, Roebuck, Paralluelo, Torrejon, Lopez, Engen, Brugts, Cano, Schertenleib, Fernandez

Sonia Bompastor makes three modifications from the aspect crushed 4-1 in Barcelona final week. Sjoeke Nusken, Niamh Charles and Naomi Girma are available in for Wieke Kaptein, Sjoeke Nusken and Nathalie Bjorn.

01:22 PM BSTBompastor: ‘I nonetheless consider in my group’

Can Chelsea overcome a 4-1 deficit in opposition to Barcelona?

It’s an enormous ask and Sonia Bompastor has made three modifications from the aspect thrashed by Barca final week. Sjoeke Nusken, Niamh Charles and Naomi Girma are available in for Wieke Kaptein, Sjoeke Nusken and Nathalie Bjorn.

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Barcelona recovered from a missed penalty by Alexia Putellas to take a commanding lead into at the moment’s Girls’s Champions League semi-final second leg.

Putellas had her penalty kick saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton within the twelfth minute however the Catalan membership rallied with a brace by substitute Claudia Pina and one every from Ewa Pajor and Irene Paredes. Sandy Baltimore scored for Chelsea.

“No successful scoreline is sufficient,” Barcelona coach Pere Romeu stated after the primary leg. “There’s big proof in soccer you can’t ever depend on a first-leg lead. We’re going to have a phenomenal battle over there at Stamford Bridge.”

It was the eighth straight win for defending champions Barcelona within the competitors. Barca have scored 40 targets throughout these eight consecutive wins since dropping 2-0 to Manchester Metropolis.

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Barcelona and Chelsea are assembly within the final 4 for the third consecutive season, with Barcelona advancing every time.

“I nonetheless consider in my group and my gamers, 100 per cent,” Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor stated. “It’ll be troublesome, however the primary aim is to attain early within the return leg. In soccer every part is feasible, so let’s attempt to win the sport and, if we rating early, perhaps we will put Barcelona beneath strain.”