In a thrilling showdown at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Chelsea delivered a mesmerizing performance to triumph over Barcelona in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-final clash.
This victory marked the first time since February 2019 that Barcelona suffered defeat in a competitive fixture at home, showcasing the remarkable strides Chelsea has taken in European competitions under the guidance of manager Emma Hayes.
The decisive moment came when Scotland’s Erin Cuthbert found the net, capitalizing on a brilliant team move orchestrated by Sjoeke Nusken, leaving Barcelona goalkeeper Catalina Coll helpless in the first half. Despite a late opportunity for Barcelona to level the score, as Alexia Putellas narrowly missed from close range, Chelsea held firm, displaying resilience and tactical acumen throughout the encounter.
Hayes’ strategic setup, employing a defensive back five, frustrated Barcelona’s attacking prowess, with the hosts failing to register a shot on target until stoppage time. Although Chelsea benefited from a stroke of luck when a VAR review overturned a penalty decision in Barcelona’s favor, the magnitude of their performance cannot be understated. Now, they must maintain their momentum as they aim to secure a spot in the final in the upcoming second leg at Stamford Bridge, where they will face a formidable Barcelona side determined to bounce back.
