Chelsea 1-4 Barça: Heading to Lisbon
They are a very, very good side — and they showed it once again on one of football’s grandest stages. Barça Femini had already all but killed the tie in the first leg with a 4-1 win, but Pere Romeu’s team showed no sign of resting on their laurels at Stamford Bridge. Instead, they produced another masterclass, replicating the scoreline away from home to seal an emphatic 8-2 aggregate victory. The reigning European champions are now set to defend their crown in Lisbon on 24 May, where they will meet against Arsenal.
No speculation
More than 20,000 fans packed into Stamford Bridge, hoping for a miracle comeback, but it was the 200 or so travelling culers who ended the afternoon celebrating. From the first whistle, Barça made their intentions clear, attacking with conviction and overwhelming Chelsea with their quality. One of the standout battles of the first half saw Caroline Graham Hansen torment the Chelsea full-back Niamh Charles time and again.
Aitana screamer
Despite Barça’s early dominance, it took a moment of individual brilliance to break the deadlock. Aitana Bonmatí, the Ballon d'Or winner, collected the ball deep inside her own half and drove forward with purpose, before unleashing a fierce shot high into the net from the edge of the box. It was a goal worthy of the stage and it all but extinguished any remaining Chelsea hopes — but Barça weren’t done yet.
Pajor and Pina join the party
They struck twice more before the interval. Graham Hansen again was the architect, bursting to the byline and squaring for Ewa Pajor to nip in ahead of her marker and tuck home Barça’s second. Moments later, Claudia Pina — the Champions League’s top scorer — delivered a moment of magic, finding space on the edge of the area and curling a stunning strike into the top corner to cap a flawless first half. 3-0 up!
Salma adds another
With the tie long since over, the second half was little more than a formality. Both sides created chances, and Barça gave minutes to key players from the bench, including resting Mapi León. Salma Paralluelo, ever hungry for a goal, injected new life into Barça’s attack — and when it seemed the match would drift to a quiet conclusion, added the fourth with a sharp finish after pouncing on a loose ball in the final minute of regulation time.
Chelsea grabbed a late consolation almost immediately through Sjoeke Nüsken, but by this stage, it was merely anecdotal.
Fifth final in a row
For Barcelona, it is now five consecutive Champions League finals — six overall — and they head to Lisbon brimming with belief. This is a team that seems unstoppable, playing with the hunger of challengers and the authority of champions.
And that's what they plan to be... Once again!
MATCH STATS
Chelsea: 1
Barça: 4
Chelsea: Hampton; Bronze, Girma (Lawrence 46'), Bright, Charles; Walsh, Cuthbert (Macariio 61'), Nusken; Rytting Kaneryd (Hamano 74'), Ramírez (Beever-Jones 46') & Baltimore (Kaptein 61').
Barça: Cata Coll; Batlle, Paredes (Jana 63'), María León (Engen 46'), Rolfö; Patri, Aitana, Alexia, Pina (Brugts 63'), Pajor (Vicky 76') & Graham (Paralluelo 63').
Goals: 0-1, Aitana Bonmatí (min. 25); 0-2, Ewa Pajor (min. 41); 0-3, Claudia Pina (min. 43); 0-4, Salma Paralluelo (min. 90); 1-4, Wieke Kaptein (min. 91).
Referee: Tess Olofsson.