The celebrations were cut rather short as Chelsea returned to the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League. “We expect to be here,” said a tired Emma Hayes. Hayes admitted he was tired and now with another game to think about and another plan to formulate, it was no surprise that Chelsea needed to move on so quickly after that comfortable aggregate victory over Ajax.
For Hayes, the prospect of Chelsea reaching a 41st game this season remains alive and well stretching forward; The end is a little far away but it’s coming fast. After 12 years in charge, Hayes and Chelsea have no more than 11 games remaining in his final season. Chelsea have won four trophies in 55 days, starting with Sunday’s League Cup final.
Although progress towards the Champions League semi-finals was not guaranteed, the rather subdued mood at Stamford Bridge reflected the feeling that there was never any real danger in Chelsea’s night thanks to their excellent 3-0 win in Amsterdam last week. If their progress was not in danger, Mayra Ramirez’s smart finish before the break removed all doubt and ensured Chelsea’s return to the semi-finals, even though Ajax later pulled it back. It could set up a rematch against Barcelona and Stamford Bridge will be ready for the arrival of the European champions in Hayes’ final match at Chelsea’s main stadium.
But then there was a dullness in Hayes, too. Hayes insists success or failure in the Champions League will not define his reign; But this frames the final weeks of his 12-year tenure as it is the only trophy he has yet to win at Chelsea. But the truth is that Chelsea have a lot to think about, which is why their second half against Ajax was almost pace-controlled. There is no escaping the fact that the back four are open and the chase begins in earnest against Arsenal on Sunday.
Chelsea had lost the League Cup final in the previous two seasons but can avenge last year’s defeat by Arsenal when they meet at Molineux. Both meetings between the London rivals this season were one-sided in favor of the home team; 4-1 at the Emirates and 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will be favorites for Jonas Eidevall’s team, but their third meeting at a neutral venue will perhaps be closer.
Captain Millie Bright could return after the international break and the England centre-back’s absence is a reminder of the injuries Chelsea have suffered as they continue their attack on four fronts. Chelsea coped admirably; Almost everyone is back, except perhaps the most important absence of Sam Kerr, who will miss the rest of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Ramirez’s clinical result, which was not achieved in Amsterdam, again showed that Chelsea have strength and depth in their squad, especially in their attacking options. “There is more diversity, more experience,” Hayes said. He made six changes against Ajax; This was more than Hayes could afford to do last season, but after a somewhat shaky start Chelsea continued to show their authority. 20-year-old winger Aggie Beever-Jones shined in the Champions League quarter-final with a bright and fluid performance and is one of those who took advantage of having to step up amidst absence.
But Bright’s return could be a boost as the Blues enter familiar territory. Hayes’ team have won four consecutive WSL titles and the last three FA Cups, and they are seven matches away from extending those remarkable records across two major domestic competitions. This remains the backbone of Chelsea and Hayes’ success and remains the place where they demonstrate their ability to win trophies against the odds.
There will be five matches in the WSL title race, with the toughest tests coming away: at Tottenham against an improving Liverpool and, on the final day on May 18, against a bruising Manchester United at Old Trafford. Although Chelsea’s fate is not entirely in their hands and they will not be confirmed as champions even if they win all five, the title will be determined by goal difference if Gareth Taylor’s rivals, who have the same points as Manchester City, remain perfect. One advantage Chelsea may have is that they will know what they need with WSL fixtures being rearranged to make room for the Champions League.
At least they are in full control of their FA Cup defence. Manchester United are not the same team that Chelsea beat to claim the title last season and achieve the double at Wembley, but there will be competition once again as the two meet in the FA Cup semi-finals. They played their first match after the international break. If Hayes’ team emerge in a repeat of last season’s final and return to Wembley on May 12, they will face a finalist in Tottenham or Leicester for the first time.
But the Champions League is a different beast and in the semi-finals Chelsea are likely to face a rematch with Barcelona, the defending champions and finalists in four of the last five seasons. Chelsea were disciplined and resilient enough to earn a draw at the Nou Camp last April, ending Barcelona’s home run in Europe.
Chelsea will have to offer more if they want to progress over two legs, but the fact that Lauren James did not start either home or away last season suggests Chelsea may be better suited to the task and could offer rivals including Aitana Bonmati and some others. There are more problems than the best players in the world.
Teams that want to join Chelsea must first beat the Norwegian team Brann after giving Spain a 2-1 lead. There, Barcelona remains untouchable domestically, having won 20 of the 21 matches it has played in the Primera Division. Last season, they strengthened their dominance in Europe by defeating Wolfsburg 3-2 in the Eindhoven final.
Chelsea and Hayes were not in Eindhoven; This was the only possible match Chelsea failed to reach in last year’s campaign. Their number at that time was 40. As Chelsea head into the 55-day, four-tournament period that will mark Hayes’ final chapter, the 41-year dream remains alive with the arrival of spring and the dream of bidding farewell to Bilbao at the beginning of the summer.