A Champions League dream over before it began

Chelsea’s hopes of a first Champions League title were dashed in devastating fashion by a brilliant Barcelona

Chelsea forward Fran Kirby (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

After waiting so long for a first Champions League final, it was almost over before it began.

Emma Hayes had worked nine years to get to this point. Her champion Chelsea team had given everything on a dramatic, rollercoaster run to Gothenburg this season to reach it.

But then in a cruel twist of fate and a footballing masterclass it was all taken away from them in a devastating first-half display from Barcelona.