Chelsea’s hopes of winning a first Women’s Champions League title were ended as Barcelona overturned a first-leg deficit to win 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and progress to the final.
Fridolina Rolfo fired home from the penalty spot with 15 minutes to play to complete the defending champions’ fightback and seal a 2-1 aggregate victory, after Emma Hayes’ side had been made to endure the final half-hour with 10 players following the sending-off of Kadeisha Buchanan.
Barca had already levelled the tie via a deflected finish from Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati by the time the Chelsea defender saw red. Reaching for a loose ball inside the centre circle, she landed a foot on the ankle of Patri Guijarro and referee Iuliana Demetrescu did not hesitate in showing a second yellow card.
In Hayes’ final season in charge at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea battled gamely to give their outgoing manager the chance to depart on a high in next month’s final in Bilbao.
But despite Barca being camped in their own half, time ran out on the home side who bowed out in the last four for the second season running.
Relive all the action and follow the reaction from Chelsea vs Barcelona below, while you can watch the Women’s Champions League Semi-Finals for free on DAZN
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona: What next for Chelsea ahead of Emma Hayes’ exit?
Emma Hayes will not have the fairytale ending then, she blows kisses to the fans at Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea fans, who sold out the Bridge tonight, chant “Emma, Emma” before she disappears down the tunnel.
This will be a bitter pill to swallow for Hayes, who has endured a tough few weeks. But, there’s still work to be done in the WSL.
Jack Rathborn27 April 2024 20:05
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona: Jonatan Giraldez reacts to victory
“You can only focus on the game,” Jonatan Giraldez tells DAZN.
“The special moments we have, but when you train every day, it’s easier to get that performance.
“You manage your emotions. After losing, it’s a specific moment to make a change to your mind and the direction.
“It’s not only about winning, the mentality of the players, it’s special.”
Jack Rathborn27 April 2024 19:54
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona
Lianne Sanderson insists Chelsea were unlucky with several decisions, telling DAZN: “It’s not a yellow card in any walk of life, ultimately Chelsea were on the back foot, but going down to 10 players.
“I thought the referee was really poor. She was getting in the way at times.
“Those decisions can really change games. It’s nowhere near a second yellow card.
“Make a better decision, but also have some common sense. The first one was a yellow, but the second one, not in any walk of life.
“The more you watch it, the more infuriating it is.”
Jack Rathborn27 April 2024 19:43
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona – Aitana Bonmati reacts to victory at Stamford Bridge
Bonmati: “We want to keep winning every year, it’s not easy but I’m proud of my team.
“It was a bit lucky [my goal], but sometimes you just have to shoot.
“My mind is always to give everything I have to the team, give my best version every year.
“We are a great team.”
Jack Rathborn27 April 2024 19:40
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona
90+6 mins: Putellas trying to get the better of Carter, but Chelsea get the ball back again, one final chance.
Emma Hayes with her head in her hands, Chelsea are going to fall desperately short.
Jack Rathborn27 April 2024 19:26
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona
90+4 mins: Barcelona should be home and dry, but Hampton with a brilliant save to deny Paralluelo.
Barcelona cut through the Blues beautifully, but Hampton spread herself well and the big left boot cleared the danger.
Jack Rathborn27 April 2024 19:25
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona
90+3 mins: Chelsea want a penalty! The ball sails to the back post and bounces viciously up towards the arm of Guijarro, but it hits her back as she turns away.
Jack Rathborn27 April 2024 19:24
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona
90+1 mins: Bonmati struggles off, she wanted the stretcher. She departs with Alexia stepping in for the final minutes.
Six added minutes! The crowd reacts, can Chelsea send this to extra-time?
Jack Rathborn27 April 2024 19:22
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona
88 mins: Rolfo, Guijarro and Bonmati keeping the ball superbly. Chelsea now desperate to win it back and launch a final attack or two.
Pina now involved, it’s quick, short passing, a masterclass in seeing out a game.
Jack Rathborn27 April 2024 19:20
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona
85 mins: Chelsea have gone for this with a triple substitution. Kirby, Bright and Perisset on for James, Kaneryd and Lawrence.
Pina on for Hansen as Barcelona also freshen things up.
Chelsea just trying to get out of their own half. Pina floats a looping ball to the back post with Paralluelo lurking. But Hampton is alert and makes a fine claim.
Jack Rathborn27 April 2024 19:16
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.