The UEFA Women`s Champions League semifinals are set to begin, featuring Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Olympique Lyon. Barcelona and Chelsea will face each other for the third time in a row in the UWCL semifinal stage. The final match is scheduled for May 24th in Lisbon, Portugal.
Barcelona will host Chelsea in the first leg of their semifinal matchup. Barcelona has historically been dominant against Chelsea, notably defeating them in the 2020-21 UWCL final.
This upcoming match marks the first UWCL encounter for both teams with their new coaches. Sonia Bompastor now leads Chelsea, succeeding Emma Hayes, and Pere Romeu is in charge of Barcelona after Jonatan Giraldez moved to the NWSL.
Match Details
- Teams: Barcelona vs. Chelsea
- Competition: UEFA Women`s Champions League Semifinal First Leg
- Location: Estadi Johan Cruyff, Barcelona, Spain
UWCL Semifinal Schedule
First Legs
- Lyon 2, Arsenal 1
- Barcelona vs Chelsea
Second Legs
- Chelsea vs Barcelona
- Lyon vs Arsenal
UWCL Final
- Arsenal/Lyon vs Barcelona/Chelsea – Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal
Previous Encounters
- 2023-24 Semifinals: Barcelona won 2-1 on aggregate
- 2022-23 Semifinals: Barcelona won 2-1 on aggregate
- 2020-21 Final: Barcelona won 4-0
Barcelona and Chelsea`s third consecutive semifinal meeting highlights their growing rivalry. Barcelona has won all three of their recent matches against Chelsea.
Barcelona`s Perspective
As reigning champions, Barcelona is still considered the team to beat. Coach Pere Romeu acknowledges the increasing difficulty of facing Chelsea each year and is preparing accordingly.
Romeu anticipates a challenging match, describing Chelsea as a team strong in fast attacks, particularly on the wings, and effective in counter-attacks. He expects a tough, extended battle where Barcelona will focus on regaining possession and launching quick counter-attacks of their own.
Chelsea`s Perspective
Chelsea is aware of their unfavorable record against Barcelona in major UWCL matches. However, with experienced manager Sonia Bompastor, who has a history of Champions League success with Lyon, Chelsea aims to overcome this challenge. Winning the Champions League remains a primary goal for Chelsea, and Bompastor`s expertise is seen as crucial.
Bompastor recognizes Barcelona`s talent and experience but maintains confidence in her team`s ability to compete, emphasizing that “in football, everything is possible.”
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona: Cata Coll; Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Mapi Leon, Esmee Brugts; Aitana Bonmati, Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas; Carolie Graham Hansen, Salma Paralluelo, Ewa Pajor
Chelsea: Hannah Hampton; Lucy Bronze, Nathalie Bjorn, Millie Bright, Sandy Baltimore; Kiera Walsh, Erin Cuthbert; Rytting Kaneryd, Wieke Kaptein, Aggie Beever-Jones; Mayra Ramirez
American Player Spotlight
Chelsea`s squad includes several American players, although injuries may limit their roles in this semifinal. Naomi Girma is recovering from a calf injury, and Mia Fishel is still gaining fitness after an ACL injury. Catarina Macario is expected to feature for Chelsea, having increased her playing time following her ACL recovery.
Match Prediction
Given the history of close first-leg matches between these teams, expect another tight game at Estadi Johan Cruyff. A midfield battle between Walsh and Bonmati is anticipated.
Prediction: Barcelona 1, Chelsea 1
Dominic Ashworth