Barcelona Advances to Women’s Champions League Final

Barcelona secured their spot in the Women’s Champions League final for the sixth time, triumphing over Chelsea with a commanding 4-1 victory in the semi-final second leg, culminating in an 8-2 aggregate score on Sunday.

The Spanish team is now one step closer to clinching their third consecutive Champions League title. They showcased their dominance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, setting the stage for a final showdown against either Lyon or Arsenal.

Lyon, who previously defeated Barcelona in the 2022 final, currently hold a 2-1 advantage as they head into their second leg match.

Chelsea, trailing 4-1 from their previous encounter last Sunday at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, faced an onslaught from Barcelona right from the start.

Aitana Bonmati, a two-time Ballon d’Or recipient, initiated the scoring with a remarkable run through Chelsea’s vulnerable defense, finishing with a powerful shot into the top of the net.

Ewa Pajor extended their lead just four minutes before halftime, essentially sealing the fate of the match.

Claudia Pina further solidified Barcelona’s advantage with a stunning curling shot, effectively dismantling Chelsea’s remaining resistance.

In the 90th minute, a miscommunication between Niamh Charles and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton allowed Salma Paralluelo to capitalize and secure the victory.

Wieke Kaptein’s late response offered little consolation for Chelsea, whose quest for a first Champions League title continues.

Chelsea will now concentrate on securing their sixth consecutive Women’s Super League title, their first under manager Sonia Bompastor, which can be achieved with a win against Manchester United on Wednesday, contingent on other match outcomes.

Bompastor commented, “To compete against Europe’s best, you need peak performance across the board, and we fell short in several aspects for various reasons.”

She added, “Barcelona is a formidable team, but the gap isn’t insurmountable. They were clinical in both matches, while my team struggled to convert opportunities.”

Bonmati initiated the attack for the opening goal in the 25th minute from well within her own half.

Chelsea’s Millie Bright attempted a sliding tackle but missed, allowing Bonmati a clear path to goal, where she executed a precise, angled shot.

The visitors struck again in the 41st minute when Charles was isolated against Caroline Graham on the right, who skillfully evaded her and delivered a cross for Pajor to easily score.

Pina dashed Chelsea’s hopes of a comeback in the 43rd minute, scoring their third goal in just 18 minutes.

The forward had space on the edge of the box to control the ball, assess her options, and unleash a curling shot that deflected off Hampton’s post into the net.

Paralluelo capitalized on Charles’ hesitation to slot in the fourth goal in the 90th minute, while Kaptein’s late goal provided minimal comfort for Chelsea.