Chelsea advance to UWCL semi-finals with impressive comeback against Manchester City | OneFootball

Chelsea have advanced into the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals after recording a 3-2 aggregate victory over Manchester City.

Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, The Blues recorded a 3-0 second leg victory at Stamford Bridge this evening and in-turn qualified for a third consecutive UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final. Sandy Baltimore, Nathalie Björn and Mayra Ramírez got the goals that helped Chelsea overturn their first leg deficit.

Sonia Bompastor’s side opened the scoring inside the opening 15 minutes as Baltimore reacted quickest after Lucy Bronze’s initial strike hit the post. The French full-back fired the ball into the far corner as visiting keeper Khiara Keating watched on.

Keira Walsh then forced a save from Keating before Hannah Hampton tipped a Mary Fowler shot around the post at the other end.

In the 35th minute, Vivianne Miedema prevented the hosts from doubling their lead on the night as she blocked a header from Björn, disrupting The Blues’ momentum after a break from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.

However, it was Björn who doubled Chelsea’s advantage minutes later, scoring her first UEFA Women’s Champions League goal for the club.

Ramírez then opened the gap to three just before the half-time break, as Keating was unable to keep the shot out after the forward reacted to Lauren James’ pass.

Manchester City were more composed after the break and Nick Cushing’s side had a chance to respond through a free-kick from Miedema. An opportunity eventually fell Fowler’s way but Chelsea were able to deal with the danger.

The hosts almost made it four late on but Erin Cuthbert’s venomous shot hit the bar as the tie ended 3-0 on the night and 3-2 to Chelsea on aggregate.

Chelsea’s reward for tonight’s victory is a semi-final tie against FC Barcelona next month.