The Chelsea women’s team overturned a two-goal deficit from the first leg to secure a 3-0 victory against Manchester City, setting up a Champions League semi-final clash with reigning champions Barcelona on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, Barcelona delivered a stunning 6-1 thumping of Wolfsburg in Catalonia, concluding the tie with a staggering aggregate score of 10-2.
In their latest encounter, the English champions wasted no time avenging their rare loss from last week’s first leg, marking the fourth match between City and Chelsea in just 12 days.
The Blues turned the tie around before the break, with Sandy Baltimore firing into the top corner, followed by Nathalie Bjorn nodding in from a corner, bringing the aggregate score to 2-2.
Lauren James then capitalised on a careless pass from City, setting up Mayra Ramirez for the decisive goal.
Chelsea are on track for an impressive quadruple in Sonia Bompastor’s inaugural season at the helm.
They previously triumphed over City 2-1 in the League Cup final earlier this month, marking the start of their series of encounters, and they are now in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, holding an eight-point lead at the pinnacle of the Women’s Super League.
However, they face an enormous challenge next month as they attempt to dethrone Barcelona.
Chelsea’s ambition to win the Champions League for the first time has been thwarted by the Spanish champions in three out of the last four seasons.
Pere Romeu’s side has triumphed in the tournament all three times, setting a record with their seventh consecutive semi-final appearance.
After suffering their first-ever women’s El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday, Barça showed no mercy against the team they defeated to clinch the 2023 final.
Salma Paralluelo netted a quickfire brace, extending Barcelona’s 4-1 first leg lead before Esmee Brugts added the third with a thunderous strike from long range.
Substitute Claudia Pina continued the scoring after the hour mark, easily beating Anneke Borbe at her near post.
Although Lineth Beerensteyn managed to pull one back for the visitors after Barça goalkeeper Cata Coll was drawn off her line and failed to clear the ball, Pina struck again with a superb free-kick that crashed in off the post. Mapi Leon then followed suit from even further out, sealing Barcelona’s dominance in stoppage time.
Arsenal will be up against eight-time champions Lyon in the other semi-final, with a coveted spot in the final in Lisbon on May 24 at stake.
Catch up on Chelsea’s victory here.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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