Chelsea Women are chasing redemption in this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League as they prepare for a crucial second-leg showdown against Barcelona. After years of domestic dominance under former head coach Emma Hayes, the Blues are still searching for their first European title.
Hayes led Chelsea to five straight Women’s Super League (WSL) titles and multiple domestic trophies, but the Champions League always slipped through their fingers. Their closest attempt came in 2021 when they reached the final—only to suffer a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona. Since then, they’ve lost two more times to the Catalan giants, both in the semi-finals.
Now under new head coach Sonia Bompastor—herself a Champions League winner as both a player and manager with Lyon—Chelsea are hoping this is finally their year. The challenge is steep: they trail 4-1 after the first leg of the semi-final, played last Sunday. But Bompastor’s tactical experience and Chelsea’s talented squad give them hope.
Star striker Sam Kerr remains sidelined with a knee injury, but the Blues still pack plenty of attacking firepower. Mayra Ramirez, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, and rising England star Aggie Beever-Jones lead the front line, while Sandy Baltimore and Guro Reiten provide creative spark. Defensively, Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze anchor a resilient backline.
Barcelona, though, remain a formidable opponent. Winners of three of the last four Champions League titles, they feature global stars such as Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, alongside Salma Paralluelo, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Ona Batlle. Yet this season, their domestic dominance has slightly dipped—opening a window of opportunity for Chelsea.
With a place in the final on the line, Sunday’s match is shaping up to be a must-watch clash between two of the best women’s football teams in the world.
Catch the action live on Virgin TV Showcase (CH 100) this Sunday.
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