The UEFA Women`s Champions League semifinals are set to kick off, featuring four top European teams vying for a spot in the final. Among them are FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC, who will clash for the third consecutive time in the semifinal stage. The winners will advance to the final in Lisbon on May 24.
Barcelona will host Chelsea in the first leg. Barcelona has historically been dominant in their encounters, notably defeating Chelsea in the 2020-21 UWCL final.
This upcoming match marks the first Champions League encounter for both teams under their new coaches. Sonia Bompastor now leads Chelsea, succeeding Emma Hayes, and Pere Romeu is in charge of Barcelona, following Jonatan Giraldez`s move to the NWSL.
Here’s a look at the key aspects of the match:
Match Details
- Match: Barcelona vs Chelsea
- Date: Sunday, April 20
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadi Johan Cruyff, Barcelona, Spain
- Live stream: DAZN
- Odds: Barcelona -400; Draw +550; Chelsea +1000
Recent Encounters
- 2023-24 Semifinals: Barcelona defeated Chelsea 2-1 on aggregate
- 2022-23 Semifinals: Barcelona defeated Chelsea 2-1 on aggregate
- 2020-21 Final: Barcelona defeated Chelsea 4-0
Barcelona and Chelsea`s consistent semifinal clashes highlight a developing rivalry. Barcelona has won all three of their previous meetings in this competition.
Barcelona`s Perspective
As reigning champions, Barcelona remains the team to beat. Coach Pere Romeu acknowledges the increasing difficulty of facing Chelsea each year and is preparing meticulously for this match.
Romeu commented, “It`s going to be a very challenging tie. Chelsea is strong in attack, especially on the wings, and they are dangerous on the counter. We anticipate a long and tough battle where we need to be effective both with and without the ball.”
Chelsea`s Perspective
Chelsea is aware of their past UWCL results against Barcelona. However, with Sonia Bompastor, a Champions League winner as both player and coach with Lyon, at the helm, they aim to change the narrative. Winning the Champions League is a major goal for Chelsea, and Bompastor’s experience is seen as crucial.
Bompastor stated, “Barcelona is a team with significant experience and talent. It will be a difficult challenge, but in football, anything is possible. We are confident and ready for these two games.”
Projected Starting Lineups
Barcelona: Cata Coll; Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Mapi Leon, Esmee Brugts; Aitana Bonmati, Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas; Carolie Graham Hansen, Salma Paralluelo, Ewa Pajor
Chelsea: Hannah Hampton; Lucy Bronze, Nathalie Bjorn, Millie Bright, Sandy Baltimore; Kiera Walsh, Erin Cuthbert; Rytting Kaneryd, Wieke Kaptein, Aggie Beever-Jones; Mayra Ramirez
American Player Spotlight
Chelsea`s squad includes several American players, although injuries might limit their roles in this semifinal. Naomi Girma is recovering from a calf injury, and Mia Fishel is still building fitness after an ACL injury. Catarina Macario is expected to feature.
Catarina Macario, Chelsea: Macario has been increasing her playing time after recovering from an ACL injury. She has shown promising form, including a 90-minute game and an assist in March, as well as scoring for the USWNT in April.
Match Prediction
Given the history of close first-leg matches between these teams, another tight game is anticipated at Estadi Johan Cruyff, potentially focusing on a midfield battle. Prediction: Barcelona 1, Chelsea 1
