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Chelsea vs Barcelona LIVE: Women’s Champions League semi-final result and reaction after Bonmati and Rolfo goals
Emma Hayes’s side fell short against the champions in front of the biggest-ever crowd for a women’s game at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s hopes of winning a first Women’s Champions League title were ended as Barcelona overturned a first-leg deficit to win 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and progress to the final.
Fridolina Rolfo fired home from the penalty spot with 15 minutes to play to complete the defending champions’ fightback and seal a 2-1 aggregate victory, after Emma Hayes’ side had been made to endure the final half-hour with 10 players following the sending-off of Kadeisha Buchanan.
Barca had already levelled the tie via a deflected finish from Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati by the time the Chelsea defender saw red. Reaching for a loose ball inside the centre circle, she landed a foot on the ankle of Patri Guijarro and referee Iuliana Demetrescu did not hesitate in showing a second yellow card.
In Hayes’ final season in charge at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea battled gamely to give their outgoing manager the chance to depart on a high in next month’s final in Bilbao.
But despite Barca being camped in their own half, time ran out on the home side who bowed out in the last four for the second season running.
Relive all the action and follow the reaction from Chelsea vs Barcelona below, while you can watch the Women’s Champions League Semi-Finals for free on DAZN
Chelsea vs Barcelona: Women’s Champions League semi-finals
Lianne Sanderson on the second leg: “Five years Barcelona had not lost at home, they looked rattled.
“Last week, Chelsea were the far superior team, Barcelona missed a sitter late on still.
“Ultimately, when you go behind against these teams, you almost have to beat Barcelona 3-0 to stand a chance in these games. It’s all about winning for themselves and this football club, not Emma Hayes.”
Chelsea vs Barcelona: Mayra Ramirez watches on from the stands at Stamford Bridge
Mayra Ramirez is in the stands and sitting alongside Sam Kerr.
They’ll be hoping Chelsea have enough without them on the pitch to finish the job with the tie delicately balance and just a one-goal lead over champions Barcelona.
Emma Hayes on managing the “emotion” of her final match in charge of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
“The only person who can send me over the edge is my child. When I can’t manage a situation with a five-year-old then I’m a bit flustered.
“Being a parent is the hardest thing in the world. Being a football manager with your team is a privilege. I don’t think about it emotionally. I’m with my football family.
“I’ve done this so long that I’ve trained my brain not to be in these places. Stay present, stay in the moment. I’ve done my job this week. I’ll do everything I can within my control.”
Chelsea vs Barcelona: Women’s Champions League semi-finals
Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up
Emma Hayes said Chelsea know they will need to produce a perfect display if they are to overcome holders Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and progress to the Women’s Champions League final.
Erin Cuthbert’s goal earned Chelsea a 1-0 first-leg victory a week ago, the only defeat Barca have suffered in the 39 games they have played this season, but Hayes urged caution ahead the return.
Her side were eliminated at the same stage by the same opposition last season, when Caroline Graham Hansen’s goal in the fourth minute was enough to earn a first-leg win in west London for the Liga F champions, before a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp confirmed Chelsea’s exit.
“They’re the best team in the world, I’ve said it millions of times,” said Hayes. “They know how to be in this position. No matter what they throw at us, Barcelona can hurt you in so many different ways.
“For us as a team, we have to be so mindful that we cannot switch off for one single second. This is a game that’s played in the head first and foremost. We know we have to be perfect in order to progress.”
PA
Chelsea vs Barcelona: Team news
A big blow for Chelsea with Mayra Ramirez not even in the squad and presumably injured, so Catarina Macario comes in for the Blues.
While Fridolina Rolfö looks set to play out wide on the left for the Catalans. Lucy Bronze will play in defence, meaning Mariona Caldentey is on the bench.
Chelsea vs Barcelona: Starting line-ups
Chelsea XI: Hampton; Charles, Carter, Buchanan; Lawrence, Nusken, Leupolz, Cuthbert, Kaneryd; Macario, James
Subs: Musovic, Bright, Perisset , Bjorn , Ingle , Reiten, Mjelde , Cankovic, Kirby , Beever-Jones
Barcelona XI: Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Engen, Bronze, Rolfo; Bonmati, Walsh, Guijarro; Hansen, Paralluelo
Subs: Panos, Gemma, Jana, Pina, Marta, Mariona, Alexia, Bruna, Brugts, Vicky, Martina
Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up
Emma Hayes ahead of what is expected to be a record attendance at Stamford Bridge and potentially a sell-out.
“The litmus test of all of this is the first game at Stamford Bridge next season - making sure that the communications team has the right strategy in place to grow the 35,000 attendance tomorrow into 35,000 in the first game of the next season.
“But, for me, this is one more step in the right direction of growing the women’s game.”
Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up
Emma Hayes ahead of facing “the best team in the world”:
“They know how to be in this position. Barcelona can hurt you in so many different ways that for us, as a team, we have to be so mindful that you cannot switch off for one single second.
“We know we have to be perfect to be able to progress.”
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