The UEFA Women`s Champions League semifinals are here, with Barcelona and Chelsea facing off for the third year in a row at this stage. These two powerhouses are among four teams competing for a spot in the final in Lisbon on May 24th, alongside Arsenal and Olympique Lyon.
Barcelona will host Chelsea in the first leg. Historically, Barcelona has had the upper hand in recent clashes, including a dominant victory in the 2020-21 UWCL final.
This match marks the first UWCL encounter for both teams` new coaches. Sonia Bompastor now leads Chelsea after Emma Hayes` move to the USWNT, and Pere Romeu is in charge at Barcelona following Jonatan Giraldez`s departure to the NWSL.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, April 20
- Location: Estadi Johan Cruyff, Barcelona, Spain
- Live stream: DAZN
UWCL Semifinal Schedule
First Legs
- Lyon 2, Arsenal 1
- Barcelona vs Chelsea
Second Legs
- Chelsea vs Barcelona
- Lyon vs Arsenal
UWCL Final
- Arsenal/Lyon vs Barcelona/Chelsea – Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal
Recent Encounters
- 2023-24 Semifinals: Barcelona 2-1 on aggregate
- 2022-23 Semifinals: Barcelona 2-1 on aggregate
- 2020-21 Final: Barcelona 4-0
Barcelona and Chelsea`s rivalry in the UWCL semifinals is becoming a recurring theme. Barcelona has won all three of their previous meetings.
Barcelona`s Perspective
As reigning champions, Barcelona is still the team to beat. Coach Pere Romeu anticipates a challenging matchup against Chelsea, acknowledging their attacking threats.
Romeu stated, “Chelsea are comfortable attacking with pace, especially on the wings. They are also strong defensively and dangerous on the counter-attack. We expect a difficult tie and will need to be effective both with and without the ball.”
Chelsea`s Viewpoint
Chelsea is aware of their past UWCL results against Barcelona. However, under the experienced Sonia Bompastor, a former UWCL winner with Lyon, they aim to overcome this hurdle. Chelsea is in contention for a quadruple this season, and the Champions League title remains a key ambition.
Bompastor commented, “Barcelona is a team with immense experience and talent. It will be a tough challenge, but anything is possible in football. We are confident and prepared for these two games.”
Predicted 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 USWNT players, though injuries may limit their roles in this semifinal. Catarina Macario, returning from injury, could feature after gaining playing time recently.
Catarina Macario, Chelsea: Macario has been increasing her minutes after ACL recovery and has shown good form, including a recent goal for the USWNT.
Match Prediction
Expect a tightly contested first leg, typical of previous Barcelona vs. Chelsea semifinals. The midfield battle, particularly between Walsh and Bonmati, will be crucial.
Prediction: Barcelona 1, Chelsea 1
Adrian Whitmore