Mueez Ajao
– Chelsea are out of the Women’s Champions League despite an impressive draw with Barcelona in the second leg of their semi-final tie at the Nou Camp.
– Emma Hayes’ side, thrashed by Barca in the final two years ago, knew they had to score in Spain to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit.
– Facing a side who had won their last 19 home games in Europe, Chelsea’s task became harder when Caroline Graham Hansen slotted in the opener after a devastating counter-attack in the 63rd minute.
Also Read: Barcelona demolish Roma advance to Women’s Champions League semis
– But the Blues responded four minutes later – while the majority of the more than 70,000 fans inside the Nou Camp were still celebrating – when Guro Reiten coolly struck home after Sam Kerr’s smart run in behind.
– Chelsea pushed for the winner as they still trailed on aggregate but it never came as Barcelona confirmed their place in the final for a third successive year.
– It ends Chelsea’s pursuit of a Treble but they remain firmly in the Women’s Super League title race and will compete with Manchester United for the Women’s FA Cup.
– Meanwhile, Barcelona head into the final looking to reclaim the crown they lost to Lyon last year. They face the winner of the second semi-final between Arsenal and Wolfsburg, which is finely poised at 2-2 following the first leg.
📰 REPORT: Barcelona are into their third straight #UWCLfinal, and fourth in five years, after a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in front of over 72,000 fans at Camp Nou proved enough.
Read all about it: 👇#UWCL // @FCBfemeni
— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) April 27, 2023
