Chelsea vs Ajax LIVE: Women’s Champions League result and final score from quarter-final tonight
Chelsea 1-1 Ajax (4-1 on agg.): The Blues returned to the semi-finals as Mayra Ramirez scored at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea and Emma Hayes remain on course for a first Women’s Champions League title as the Blues completed a 4-1 aggregate win over Ajax at Stamford Bridge to return to the semi-finals.
Chelsea were in control of the tie after claiming an impressive 3-0 win in Amsterdam last week and advanced courtesy of a 1-1 draw that allowed Hayes to rest key players ahead of Sunday’s League Cup final against Arsenal.
Chelsea almost fell behind to a comedy goal as goalkeeper Zecira Musovic’s clearance deflected off Ajax attacker Tiny Hoekstra and almost cannoned into the empty net.
But record signing Mayra Ramirez then put Chelsea on course for the semi-finals as Erin Cuthbert won the ball back in midfield and Guro Reiten slipped a pass through to the Colombian to finish past goalkeeper Regina van Eijk’s legs.
Hayes had made six changes with Sunday’s League Cup final against Arsenal on the horizon, and Ajax managed to pull one back in the second half as Chasity Grant finished under Musovic to prevent Chelsea from extending their winning run. Musovoic was then forced into two outstanding fingertip saves to prevent defeat on the night.
The Blues could now face a semi-final rematch with Champions League holders Barcelona, who will take a 2-1 lead into their second leg against Norwegian side Brann tomorrow night. Follow live updates from Chelsea vs Ajax in tonight’s live blog and get the latest match odds and Women’s Champions League tips, here.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Ajax (4-1 on agg.)
GOAL! Ajax have one back! Chelsea switch off in midfield and Hoekstra can slip a ball between Carter and Buchanan, releasing Chasity Grant.
The forward slips a finish under Musovic, who couldn’t keep it out.
Chelsea 1-0 Ajax (4-0 on agg.)
61 mins: Another brilliant run from Beever-Jones, starting from deep, that releases a counter for Reiten down the left. The cross evades Ramirez in the box.
Chelsea 1-0 Ajax (4-0 on agg.)
55 mins: Beever-Jones almost breaks into the box with a weaving run. The 20-year-old has been excellent tonight.
Chelsea 1-0 Ajax (4-0 on agg.)
50 mins: Save! Ajax lands their first shot on target after keeping the ball alive on the byline. It’s cut back to Leuchter but Musovic saves her shot down low.
Chelsea 1-0 Ajax (4-0 on agg.)
Back underway! And if Chelsea’s thoughts weren’t on Sunday’s League Cup final against Arsenal, they will be now. Hayes will want to get through this second half unscathed.
HALF TIME! Chelsea 1-0 Ajax (4-0 on agg.)
With this goal, Ramirez has now scored in three competitions already for Chelsea this season. The WSL, the Champions League, and FA Cup.
HALF TIME! Chelsea 1-0 Ajax (4-0 on agg.)
An entertaining first half but it was crucial for Chelsea to get the first goal. There were some nervy moments, but they managed with Ramirez’s finish and Chelsea look comfortable.
One foot in the semi-finals.
Chelsea 1-0 Ajax (4-0 on agg.)
42 mins: Chance! Almost a second from Ramirez and for Chelsea, after a great spell from Beever-Jones. The winger puts in a great ball across the face and Ramirez is an inch or two from sliding in to double Chelsea’s lead on the night.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Ajax (4-0 on agg.)
GOAL! Chelsea lead and it had been coming! Cuthbert slides in to win the ball in midfield and Reiten slides in Ramirez, who opens up her body and puts a clinical finish through to the legs of Van Eijk.
Great finish. And that takes the pressure off.
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