Chelsea produced a stunning performance at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys to beat Barcelona in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-final.
It was the first time since February 2019 that Barcelona had been beaten in a competitive fixture at home and it shows the immense progress Chelsea have made in European competition under manager Emma Hayes.
Scotland international Erin Cuthbert scored the winner, firing past goalkeeper Catalina Coll in the first half to finish off a clever team move after Sjoeke Nusken had teed her up inside the box.
There was a huge chance for Barcelona to equalise in the final seconds as former two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas sliced wide from a few yards out and fell to her knees in disbelief.
It capped off a fascinating tactical battle as Chelsea came through an intense period of pressure from Barcelona at the start, before eventually finding space to threaten the hosts.
Chelsea’s good fortune was needed against the defending champions but this was a huge performance from Hayes’ side and will go down as one of their most impressive of her nine-year tenure.
They must try to complete the job in the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 27 April against a Barcelona side who have reached the final in four of the past five seasons.
The Women’s Champions League trophy has so far eluded Hayes and her squad, with Barcelona thrashing them 4-0 in the 2021 final and knocking them out in the semi-finals last season.
Barcelona, widely regarded the best team in Europe currently, were favourites on their home turf and excitement rippled through the city on Saturday morning.
With Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati among the many stars on show, the majority of the 36,428 fans in attendance came draped in red and blue, chanting “Barca, Barca, Barca” and expecting their side to deliver.
Women’s Champions League: Chelsea Stun Barcelona
