Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

Last time out

As the ball fell to Alexia Putellas, four yards out and in the ninth minute of additional time at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, there was already enough evidence to show that this was a day for the unexpected. In any other game, Putellas would have scored and Barcelona would have found a way through – instead, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner skewed her shot and the Women’s Champions League holders suffered their first home defeat in five years. Even more remarkably, as Putellas sliced wide, a team who had scored 164 goals in all competitions this season were yet to land a shot on target.

Nor would they. Somehow, Chelsea and Emma Hayes produced the unthinkable. The English champions looked to survive and stay in the tie, but Erin Cuthbert’s goal and a first-ever victory against the all-conquering Barcelona ensures Chelsea will take a 1-0 lead back to Stamford Bridge for next week’s semi-final second leg. Avoid defeat there, and Hayes will end her 12-year Chelsea reign in Bilbao and with a final shot at the only trophy that has eluded her.

Jamie Braidwood27 April 2024 09:30

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

What is the team news?

Chelsea captain Millie Bright is back in the squad after returning from a knee injury, but it would be a surprise to see her start. Chelsea are without long-term absentees Sam Kerr and Mia Fishel, but Maren Mjelde and Nathalie Bjon are likely to be involved.

Barcelona are without Mapi Leon while Lucy Bronze and Alexia Putellas started the first leg on the bench but could come into the line-up.

Predicted line-ups

Chelsea: Hampton; Lawrence, Carter, Buchanan, Charles; Cuthbert, Leupolz; Rytting Kaneryd, Nusken, James; Ramirez

Barcelona: Cata Coll; Bronze, Paredes, Engen, Rolfo; Bonmati, Walsh, Patri; Graham Hansen, Paralluelo, Caldentey

Jamie Braidwood27 April 2024 09:10

Is Chelsea vs Barcelona on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch Women’s Champions League

When is Chelsea vs Barcelona?

The match will kick off at 5:30pm BST on Saturday 27 April at Stamford Bridge, London.

How can I watch it?

Jamie Braidwood27 April 2024 09:05

Good morning

Chelsea take a one-goal lead into their Women’s Champions League semi-final second leg against holders Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

Erin Curtbert’s goal at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium stunned Barcelona and earned Emma Hayes’s side their first-ever victory against the European champions.

Chelsea will expect a response from the Spanish side as Barcelona travel to Stamford Bridge, where they won 1-0 in last season’s semi-final first leg.

The English champions are aiming to win the Champions League for the first time in what is Hayes’s final season at the club, and they will progress to the Bilbao final on May 25 if they avoid defeat.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Women’s Champions League semi-final