Chelsea will need to make a comeback against Barcelona to secure their spot in the Women’s Champions League final after a 1-0 defeat in the first leg at Stamford Bridge,
Caroline Graham Hansen scored a superb curled goal in the first half for Barcelona, but they lost Lucy Bronze to injury in the second half. Bronze went down holding her knee off the ball, and her injury was the most significant moment of the half, which Barcelona dominated.
Chelsea must score at least one goal when they play in Spain on Thursday for the second leg. The match was a repeat of the 2021 final, in which Barcelona scored four goals against Chelsea within 36 minutes, and they looked set to do the same in London.
Despite creating their own chances, including from Guro Reiten and Sam Kerr, Chelsea was unable to equalize.
Emma Hayes’ side, who are aiming to win the Treble this season, will need to deliver an excellent performance in Spain to beat last year’s runners-up and keep their dreams alive.