The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Chelsea vs Barcelona LIVE: Women’s Champions League semi-final result and reaction after Bonmati and Rolfo goals
Emma Hayes’s side fell short against the champions in front of the biggest-ever crowd for a women’s game at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s hopes of winning a first Women’s Champions League title were ended as Barcelona overturned a first-leg deficit to win 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and progress to the final.
Fridolina Rolfo fired home from the penalty spot with 15 minutes to play to complete the defending champions’ fightback and seal a 2-1 aggregate victory, after Emma Hayes’ side had been made to endure the final half-hour with 10 players following the sending-off of Kadeisha Buchanan.
Barca had already levelled the tie via a deflected finish from Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati by the time the Chelsea defender saw red. Reaching for a loose ball inside the centre circle, she landed a foot on the ankle of Patri Guijarro and referee Iuliana Demetrescu did not hesitate in showing a second yellow card.
In Hayes’ final season in charge at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea battled gamely to give their outgoing manager the chance to depart on a high in next month’s final in Bilbao.
But despite Barca being camped in their own half, time ran out on the home side who bowed out in the last four for the second season running.
Relive all the action and follow the reaction from Chelsea vs Barcelona below, while you can watch the Women’s Champions League Semi-Finals for free on DAZN
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
56 mins: Off the post! Nusken dangles her right leg out, the chance is there for Chelsea and the ball dribbles wide after clipping the post.
It’s brilliant from Lawrence down the left and the ball back is superb.
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
53 mins: Macario stands over the ball, it’s nearly 36 yards from goal.
It’s clipped to the back post and Barcelona scramble it clear, but they don’t look comfortable, perhaps this is the way through for the hosts?
Buchanan chops down Paralluelo, it’s a crude challenge, the crowd boos, but that’s a clear booking.
Already both teams look a little tired. Will Hayes shuffle the pack first?
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
49 mins: There’s danger for Chelsea! Barcelona want a penalty, Chelsea throwing themselves at the loose ball inside the box.
Rolfo then has a shot blocked from just inside the area. Hansen then with some skill and speed down the right.
It eventually leads to Ona Batlle stepping up and thumping the ball high and wide.
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
Unhandled: H5
Cata Coll off her line well and Kaneryd puts in a tantalising cross. Nusken is nearly there to prod it into the empty net behind the Barcelona ‘keeper, but she can’t quite get there. Positive start though!
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
Half-time: What a half, breathtaking!
It’s 1-0 to Barcelona at the Bridge and 1-1 on aggregate. All to play for in the second half after Aitana Bonmati, the best player on the pitch tonight, with the goal thanks to a fortunate deflection.
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
45 mins: Too much space for Barcelona, Leupolz is sloppy and loses the ball.
Bonmati is snapping at her heels and the ball eventually finds Rolfo, it’s a clean hit, but it’s always rising.
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
40 mins: Yikes, this does not look good. It looks to be an ankle injury for Irene Paredes, who is in some pain and down.
She walks off with a grimace. Charles gets us back underway, launching a long throw-in up to James.
But Barcelona back on the ball and swarming the Blues in midfield. Chelsea must release the ball quicker when they do get the ball.
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
38 mins: So close for Chelsea! Barcelona make a mess of it and Nusken is in! She storms through on goal and then cuts it back.
James is agonisingly close, but can’t connect from eight yards out.
The ball falls to Cuthbert and it’s nice footwork, but she can’t hit the target, a huge chance spurned by the Blues.
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
35 mins: Macario with a fine effort, left foot, she slashes across the ball on the volley and it’s curling away from Catalina Coll.
Perhaps unsighted from Patri Guijarro’s missed block, it’s palmed away for a corner.
A positive response from the Blues.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies