Chelsea travel to Spain this afternoon to beat Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League semi-final and establish themselves among Europe’s top stars.
While Barcelona got over the line last season, this is the second time in as many years that the two teams have met at this stage of the competition. Caroline Graham Hansen scored a stunning goal in the first leg at Stamford Bridge and the Blues failed to close the gap at the Nou Camp, with the second leg ending in a 1-1 draw.
It’s their first home game in Barcelona this time, and if they can get back to London with an even draw, that could help Emma Hayes’ team a bit. Chelsea have never beaten Barcelona in the women’s game but anything short of a heavy defeat today could keep them in contention to reach the final in Bilbao.
Hayes, who left Chelsea at the end of the season, has won every trophy possible with the Blues apart from the Women’s Champions League but will need to defeat an old foe if she is to end her tenure in style.
Watch the Women’s Champions League Semi-Finals for free on DAZN and get latest match odds and tips Here. Watch all the action below
Barcelona vs Chelsea LIVE
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Barcelona will host Chelsea in the first match of the Women’s Champions League semi-final at 12.30.
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The Blues lost to Barcelona at this stage of the tournament last season.
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Chelsea have never won the WCL, losing to Barcelona in their only final match of 2021.
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Barcelona XI: Cata Coll, Paredes, Paralluelo, Mariona, Graham, Patri, Aitana, Rolfo, Walsh, Batlle, Engen
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Chelsea XI: Hampton, Lawrence, Carter, Buchanan, Charles, Leupolz, Cuthbert, Nusken, Kaneryd, James, Ramirez
Chelsea’s Lauren James casts doubt for Barcelona game as Emma Hayes refuses to comment on injury
11:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Chelsea forward Lauren James is a doubt for Saturday’s Women’s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona after it was confirmed that Emma Hayes missed Wednesday’s win over Aston Villa through injury.
Hayes said James had not trained this week but refused to reveal further details as the 22-year-old was not included in the Chelsea squad after playing the entire FA Cup semi-final defeat against Manchester United on Sunday.
Chelsea will travel to Barcelona on Friday, before the first leg of the Champions League semi-final match, and the return match will be played at Stamford Bridge the following week.
England international James is Chelsea’s top scorer in all competitions this season and is central to their hopes of winning a first Champions League title after striker Sam Kerr is out for the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Lauren James has doubts for Barcelona game as Emma Hayes refuses to comment on injury
Barcelona-Chelsea team news
11:01 , Jamie Braidwood
What’s the team news?
It was stated that Chelsea forward Lauren James did not train on Friday due to the 3-0 defeat against Aston Villa in the middle of the week. Chelsea were already without Sam Kerr and Millie Bright, who had knee injuries. The likes of Guro Reiten, Erin Cuthbert and Melanie Leupolz should return after resting in the middle of the week.
Besides Spanish defender Mapi Leon, Barcelona have many world-class stars. Jonatan Giráldez has a fully equipped squad to work with. Alexia Putellas is returning to full fitness but Patricia Guijarro could retain her place in midfield while Salma Paralluelo could start ahead of Esmee Brugts. England duo Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh should start.
How to watch the Women’s Champions League?
11:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Watch Emma Hayes’ Chelsea face off against Spanish superstars Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final. Watch all the action unfold live and for free on DAZN. We may earn commission from some links in this article, but we never let this influence our content. This revenue helps fund journalism across The Independent.
10:45 , Jamie Braidwood
When is the Barcelona-Chelsea match?
The Women’s Champions League semi-final will kick off at 12.30pm (UK time) at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium on Saturday 20 April.
How can I watch?
Watch the Women’s Champions League Semi-Finals for free on DAZN.
Good morning
10:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Chelsea travel to Barcelona to face the Women’s Champions League champions in the second leg of last season’s semi-final.
The Champions League is the only trophy that has eluded Chelsea during a period of domestic success under Emma Hayes and it is the club’s last chance with Hayes leaving at the end of the season.
Barcelona, who defeated Chelsea in the semi-finals last year, drew 1-0 at Stamford Bridge and 1-1 at Camp Nou. Having defeated Wolfsburg in the final, the Spanish team aims to win its third Champions League title in the last four seasons.
Barcelona had its first victory against Chelsea in the 2021 final, winning 4-0 for Chelsea and Hayes’ first Champions League trophy.
Can the Blues take revenge and give Hayes the perfect send-off? Here’s everything you need to know before kick-off
Is Barcelona-Chelsea match on TV? How to watch the Women’s Champions League