Barcelona Femení take huge step towards UWCL final with Chelsea win | OneFootball

FC Barcelona Femení delivered another top-tier European performance, brushing past Chelsea with a commanding 4-1 victory in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.

From the outset, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s intent was clear. High pressing, quick combinations, and a relentless rhythm overwhelmed Chelsea, who struggled to cope with the intensity throughout large stretches of the match.

Barça nearly had the perfect start in the opening ten minutes. Following a VAR review for a handball by Chelsea’s Nathalie Björn, the referee pointed to the spot. Alexia Putellas stepped up in front of a hushed crowd but was denied by a confident save from Hannah Hampton. It was a rare miss — and a moment that momentarily lifted Chelsea.

Yet it didn’t take long for Barça to break through. In the 26th minute, Salma Paralluelo’s press helped win back possession high up the pitch. Alexia then picked out a razor-sharp pass between the lines, finding Ewa Pajor in stride. The Polish striker made no mistake, slotting the ball home with her usual composure to open the scoring.

Barcelona controlled the remainder of the half, with Patricia Guijarro and Aitana Bonmatí pulling the strings in midfield. Despite Chelsea’s efforts to regroup, the hosts went into the break deservedly ahead.

The second half brought more changes — and more dominance. Claudia Pina, who had started on the bench, was introduced and wasted no time making her mark. Just minutes after coming on, she doubled Barça’s lead in the 60th minute, converting a low cross from Ona Batlle at the back post with a poacher’s finish.

Chelsea found a lifeline in the 74th minute when Catarina Macario fed the ball wide to Sandy Baltimore, who rifled a shot past Cata Coll to make it 2-1. It was a brief setback, but Barça responded swiftly.

Only five minutes later, Pina turned provider, delivering a pinpoint corner into the box that was met by a towering header from Irene Paredes. The veteran defender rose above her marker to restore Barcelona’s two-goal cushion.

And still, Pina wasn’t done. In the final moments, she combined brilliantly with Alexia before scoring her second of the night — and Barça’s fourth — to cap off a stellar personal and team performance.

By the final whistle, the scoreboard reflected what had been an all-around dominant display. Barcelona’s high press, creative midfield play, and attacking depth proved too much for Chelsea on the night.

With a three-goal cushion, Barcelona head into the second leg at Stamford Bridge in a commanding position. Only a remarkable comeback from Chelsea could deny them a place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in Lisbon.

The second leg will take place at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 27th April, with a 2:00 PM kick-off (UK time).