- Chelsea Women face Barcelona in the UWCL semi-final for the third straight year.
- They are chasing a historic quadruple under new manager Sonia Bompastor.
- The first leg kicks off Sunday at Barcelona’s Estadi Johan Cruyff.
Chelsea Women are on a mission to make history under Sonia Bompastor, with the quadruple dream still alive. After lifting the League Cup and reaching the FA Cup final, they also lead the WSL with just four matches to go.
This time, though, there’s a shift in dynamic. Barcelona, while still dominant, have shown moments of vulnerability this season and are not as invincible as in previous years.
Third Time Lucky? Chelsea Women Face Familiar Foe in Barcelona
Barcelona have been Chelsea’s ultimate Champions League hurdle, defeating them in the 2021 final and twice at the semi-final stage. Those losses have been bitter — from a heavy defeat to two narrow exits. Chelsea now have the chance to flip the narrative, entering this year’s tie with more belief and a different approach under their new manager.
Sonia Bompastor brings European pedigree, having won the Champions League with Lyon as both a player and coach. Her tactical nous has already translated to domestic success with Chelsea, who play a more composed and aggressive style compared to Emma Hayes’ tenure. This could be the edge they need against Barcelona’s technical mastery.
Barça remain elite, boasting stars like Bonmatí and Hansen, but their form has been less consistent this season. Injuries and tight wins suggest cracks Chelsea might exploit. Playing the first leg away also gives the Blues the advantage of finishing strong at Stamford Bridge in front of their home fans.
The London side will need their key players — Lauren James, Mayra Ramírez, and Erin Cuthbert — to be at their absolute best. Chelsea’s defense, led by Jess Carter and Buchanan, will also be tested by Barça’s relentless attacking wings. If they can absorb the pressure and strike on the counter, they might finally break the curse.
This semi-final isn’t just about a shot at the final — it’s about exorcising past demons. If Chelsea can topple Barcelona this time, it could be the defining moment of their historic season.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
