Barcelona 4-1 Chelsea: Blues' Women's Champions League hopes hanging by a thread after Spain mauling | OneFootball

Chelsea conceded twice in the final ten minutes as they were well beaten in Barcelona

Chelsea face an uphill battle in the second leg

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Chelsea’s dreams of winning a first Women’s Champions League title have taken a severe blow after a convincing defeat to Barcelona in their semi-final first leg.

There were positive signs for Chelsea in the early stages. Hannah Hampton saved Alexia Putellas’ penalty with 12 minutes on the clock to start the Blues on the right foot.

But they found themselves trailing by one at half-time thanks to a clinical finish from Ewa Pajor, who split Baltimore and Millie Bright to punish the visitors.

Barcelona hit Chelsea for four in the semi-final first leg

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Claudia Pina’s second-half brace came on either side of Irene Paredes’ third to all put Chelsea to the sword. They will have their work cut out for them ahead of next week’s second leg at Stamford Bridge.

They are not unused to comebacks, though, having overturned Manchester City’s two-goal advantage in the quarter-final. World record signing Naomi Girma’s return to action will also be a boost for Chelsea ahead of the second leg.

Chelsea have cruised this season and are well placed to win a domestic treble, but seem to have met their match in Spain as they were roundly outclassed by the reigning UWCL champions.