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

Chelsea have actually left this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League at the semi-final phase after being up to a 2-1 aggregate defeat to ruling European champs FC Barcelona.

The Blues entered into this night’s 2nd leg at Stamford Bridge with a 1-0 lead, nevertheless, 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 very first 25 minutes at The Bridge. Aitana Bonmatí netted the opener after her shot thankfully deflected off Kadeisha Buchanan before the ball nestled in the bottom corner of Hannah Hampton’s web. That objective saw Bonmatí end up being the Spaniards’ joint all-time leading scorer in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, connected with Alexia Putellas on 21 objectives. 

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

Catarina Macário then benefited from a ball on the edge of the location as she sent out a shot towards Catalina Coll’s objective however the Barcelona keeper fasted to respond and press it around the post for a corner. 

The hosts continued to push for an equaliser before half-time and Sjoeke Nüsken aimed to make money from a protective mistake however James couldn’t transform from her cut-back.

Both sides produced great chances early in the 2nd half. Barcelona’s Patricia Guijarro’s shot was obstructed by Hampton before Nüsken went close at the other end, her effort being directed onto the post. 

On the hour, Chelsea were decreased to 10 gamers after Buchanan got her 2nd yellow card for a nasty on Guijarro. It looked like an exceptionally severe choice.

Chelsea’s luck then worsened when Barcelona were granted a penalty shot. Bonmatí decreased in package following pressure from Jess Carter and Ashley Lawrence. Again, the choice might be questioned, even after a VAR evaluation. Fridolina Rolfö sent out Hampton the incorrect method from the charge area to double her side’s lead.

The Blues tossed whatever they had at Barcelona in the closing phases as they attempted to get themselves a lifeline however the Spaniards hung on to reach the UEFA Women’s Champions League last where they will deal with either Lyon or Paris Saint-Germain.

After beginning the season in pursuit of the quadruple, Chelsea now have simply the one prize chance staying, that being the Barclays Women’s Super League title.