Chelsea reach UWCL semi-finals with aggregate victory over Ajax | OneFootball

Chelsea have qualified for the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals for a second consecutive year after recording a 4-1 aggregate victory over Ajax in their quarter-final tie.

The Blues led 3-0 from last week’s first leg in Amsterdam and they completed the job in the return fixture at Stamford Bridge this evening, despite being held to a 1-1 draw.

Mayra Ramírez fired Chelsea into a first half lead in South West London but Chasity Grant levelled matters for Ajax in the second half as the two sides couldn’t be separated on the night, although The Blues eased into the last-four given their overall advantage.

Both sides created good chances early on. In the ninth minute, Erin Cuthbert fired wide for Chelsea after connecting with a low cross at the near post whilst at the other end, Ajax failed to capitalise on a defensive mistake with Romée Leuchter dragging her effort off target.

Just after the half-hour mark, Ramírez put Chelsea in front as she slipped the ball through visiting keeper Regina Van Eijk’s legs, bagging her well-deserved first Champions League goal on her European debut for the club.

Ajax looked to respond immediately when Grant ran to the edge of the box and played the ball to Jonna van de Velde, however, the midfielder slammed her shot over the bar.

There was then another risky moment for Chelsea at the back as Kadeisha Buchanan attempted a back-pass to Zećira Mušović, who was positioned to the side of her goal, but she was able to scramble back in time to clear the ball.

Ajax eventually capitalised on a nervy defensive play from the hosts midway through the second half. Grant took her chance and equalised. The forward was played in through Tiny Hoekstra’s cross and she was able to slip the ball under Mušović.

The Chelsea keeper then kept out Leuchter’s shot with an unbelievable save as The Blues claimed a 1-1 draw on the night and an overall 4-1 aggregate success.

Chelsea will now face either SK Brann or FC Barcelona over two legs in next month’s UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals.