The UEFA Women`s Champions League is reaching its climax, with the semifinal stage kicking off this Saturday. Four top European teams – Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Lyon – are vying for a coveted spot in the final, set to be held in Lisbon on May 24th. Notably, Barcelona and Chelsea are set to clash in the semifinals for the third consecutive year.
This Sunday, Barcelona will host Chelsea in the first leg of their semifinal encounter. Barcelona has historically held the upper hand in their previous high-stakes matches against Chelsea, including a decisive victory in the 2020-21 Champions League final.
This upcoming match marks the first Champions League meeting for the new coaches of both teams. Sonia Bompastor has taken the reins at Chelsea following Emma Hayes`s move to the USWNT, while Pere Romeu now leads Barcelona after Jonatan Giraldez`s departure to the NWSL.
Match Details
- Match: Barcelona vs Chelsea, UWCL Semifinal First Leg
- Date: Sunday, April 20
- Location: Estadi Johan Cruyff, Barcelona, Spain
- Live Stream: DAZN
- Odds: Barcelona -400; Draw +550; Chelsea +1000
Semifinal Schedule
First Legs
Saturday, April 19
Lyon 2, Arsenal 1
Sunday, April 20
Barcelona vs Chelsea (12 p.m. ET)
Second Legs
Sunday, April 27
Chelsea vs Barcelona (9 a.m. ET)
Lyon vs Arsenal (12 p.m. ET)
UWCL Final
Saturday, May 24
Arsenal/Lyon vs Barcelona/Chelsea – Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal (12 p.m. ET)
Previous Encounters
- 2023-24 Semifinals: Barcelona 2-1 Chelsea (aggregate)
- 2022-23 Semifinals: Barcelona 2-1 Chelsea (aggregate)
- 2020-21 Final: Barcelona 4-0 Chelsea
The rivalry between Barcelona and Chelsea in the UWCL semifinals is intensifying, with this being their third successive clash at this stage. Barcelona has dominated their recent head-to-head record, winning all three prior matches.
Barcelona`s Perspective
As reigning champions, Barcelona is aware of the target on their back. Coach Pere Romeu acknowledges the growing challenge posed by Chelsea each year and is meticulously preparing his team for this semifinal. He anticipates a demanding tie, highlighting Chelsea`s strengths in fast-paced attacks, exploiting flanks, and effective counter-pressing. Romeu expects a strategic battle focused on nullifying Chelsea`s attack and capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities.
Chelsea`s Viewpoint
Chelsea is mindful of their past UWCL results against Barcelona. However, new manager Sonia Bompastor brings significant Champions League pedigree, both as a player and a coach with Lyon. Chelsea, aiming for a quadruple this season, recognizes the Champions League as a major ambition. Bompastor expresses confidence in her team`s ability to overcome the challenge, acknowledging Barcelona`s experience and talent but emphasizing that “in football, everything is possible.”
Projected Starting Lineups
Barcelona
Cata Coll; Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Mapi Leon, Esmee Brugts; Aitana Bonmati, Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas; Carolie Graham Hansen, Salma Paralluelo, Ewa Pajor
Chelsea
Hannah Hampton; Lucy Bronze, Nathalie Bjorn, Millie Bright, Sandy Baltimore; Kiera Walsh, Erin Cuthbert; Rytting Kaneryd, Wieke Kaptein, Aggie Beever-Jones; Mayra Ramirez
American Players to Watch
Chelsea`s squad includes several USWNT players, although injuries may limit their roles in this semifinal. Naomi Girma is recovering from a calf injury, and Mia Fishel is still building fitness after an ACL injury. Catarina Macario is a key American player to watch for Chelsea. Having overcome an ACL injury, she has been gaining playing time and recently contributed with goals and assists, indicating her potential impact in this crucial match.
Match Prediction
Historically, first-leg semifinals between these teams have been closely contested. Expect another tight affair at Estadi Johan Cruyff, potentially featuring a midfield duel between former Barcelona teammates Walsh and Bonmati. Prediction: Barcelona 1, Chelsea 1
