Chelsea go down fighting as Barcelona claim UWCL final spot | OneFootball

Chelsea are out of this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League despite recording a spirited 1-1 draw with Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou in the second leg of their semi-final tie this evening.

The Blues went into the tie trailing 1-0 from the first leg. They needed a win on the night to at least force extra-time but the challenge proved to be a step too far for Emma Hayes’ side.

Barcelona seemed like the most likely side to break the deadlock in the early stages of the match with Asisat Oshoala looking particularly lively but Chelsea keeper Ann-Katrin Berger was largely untroubled. The Blues defended bravely throughout the first half and as a result, the hosts were unable to direct a shot on target.

Fridolina Rolfö went close for Barcelona early in the second half with a shot from distance before Caroline Graham Hansen fired over from inside the box.

The first goal finally arrived just after the hour and it came from Barcelona who doubled their lead. Graham Hansen neatly tucked away a shot into the corner of the Chelsea net.

The tie looked to be over but Chelsea responded within four minutes of going behind. After Sam Kerr’s initial effort had been saved by Barcelona goalkeeper Sandra Paños, Guro Reiten won the race to the loose ball and rifled home the equaliser.

Chelsea pushed hard for a second goal which would have taken the tie into extra-time. Erin Cuthbert thumped a shot at Pańos before Lauren James struck an effort into the stand. In the end, Barcelona hung on for a 2-1 aggregate victory.

Barcelona will now face either VfL Wolfsburg or Arsenal in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in Eindhoven, The Netherlands on 3 June 2023.