Chelsea exit UWCL at the semi-final stage following aggregate defeat to Barcelona | OneFootball

Chelsea have exited this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League at the semi-final stage after falling to a 2-1 aggregate defeat to reigning European champions FC Barcelona.

The Blues went into this evening’s second leg at Stamford Bridge with a 1-0 lead, however, Barcelona turned the tie around, winning 2-0 on the night in front of 39,398 fans in South West London.

Barcelona took the lead inside the first 25 minutes at The Bridge. Aitana Bonmatí netted the opener after her shot luckily deflected off Kadeisha Buchanan before the ball nestled in the bottom corner of Hannah Hampton’s net. That goal saw Bonmatí become the Spaniards’ joint all-time top scorer in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, tied with Alexia Putellas on 21 goals.

Chelsea responded to their setback and it looked as though they were set to level matters as Melanie Leupolz reacted to Lauren James’ missed shot, however, her effort cannoned off the crossbar.

Catarina Macário then took advantage of a ball on the edge of the area as she sent a shot towards Catalina Coll’s goal but the Barcelona keeper was quick to react and push it around the post for a corner.

The hosts continued to press for an equaliser before half-time and Sjoeke Nüsken looked to profit from a defensive error but James couldn’t convert from her cut-back.

Both sides created good chances early in the second half. Barcelona’s Patricia Guijarro’s shot was blocked by Hampton before Nüsken went close at the other end, her effort being directed onto the post.

On the hour, Chelsea were reduced to 10 players after Buchanan received her second yellow card for a foul on Guijarro. It seemed like an extremely harsh decision.

Chelsea’s luck then got worse when Barcelona were awarded a penalty kick. Bonmatí went down in the box following pressure from Jess Carter and Ashley Lawrence. Again, the decision could be questioned, even after a VAR review. Fridolina Rolfö sent Hampton the wrong way from the penalty spot to double her side’s lead.

The Blues threw everything they had at Barcelona in the closing stages as they tried to grab themselves a lifeline but the Spaniards held on to reach the UEFA Women’s Champions League final where they will face either Lyon or Paris Saint-Germain.

After starting the season in pursuit of the quadruple, Chelsea now have just the one trophy opportunity remaining, that being the Barclays Women’s Super League title.