Chelsea host Barcelona for a place in the Women’s Champions League final as Emma Hayes’s side take a one-goal lead into the semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues stunned the Champions League holders last week as Erin Cuthbert’s strike earned Chelsea a 1-0 win in Spain. It was the first time Barcelona had lost a home game in five years, and Chelsea are prepared for Barcelona to respond in front of a record crowd for a women’s fixture at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are aiming to win the Champions League for the first time, in what is Hayes’s final season at the club after 12 years of domestic dominance. There is a place in the Bilbao showpiece on the line, and Chelsea will be out for revenge too after defeats to Barcelona in the 2021 final and last season’s semi-finals.
Follow live updates from the Chelsea vs Barcelona below, while you can watch the Women’s Champions League Semi-Finals for free on DAZN
Chelsea vs Barcelona: Emma Hayes on Mayra Ramirez injury
“You can’t build things up too much, they take too much energy away. We have to work hard to keep our emotions in check. We know what we’re facing. We have to conserve our energy,” Hayes tells DAZN.
“It’s great (the sellout), these are the standards and should be expected.
“I’m delighted everybody has come out for the team, the girls deserve it.
“Mayra got an injury, we had to change direction, that’s why you have a squad and Cat’s ready to go!”
Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up
Chelsea defender Niamh Charles on the challenge of facing Barcelona and their star-studded team of world class attacking talent.
“It’s not individual players, they’re one of the best teams in the world. It’s not focusing on one player.
“It’s all in the mind, its about being switched on every single second. You switch off for one moment and you get punished.”
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.”
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: Starting line-ups
Source: independent.co.uk
