Chelsea’s dreams of winning a first Women’s Champions League title have taken a severe blow after a convincing defeat to Barcelona in their semi-final first leg.
Sandy Baltimore scored with a quarter of an hour remaining to pull Chelsea within one, but they would concede twice more in the late stages as Barcelona cemented a comfortable advantage - the biggest defeat of Sonia Bompastor’s managerial tenure.
There were positive signs for Chelsea in the early stages. Hannah Hampton saved Alexia Putellas’ penalty with 12 minutes on the clock to start the Blues on the right foot.
But they found themselves trailing by one at half-time thanks to a clinical finish from Ewa Pajor, who split Baltimore and Millie Bright to punish the visitors.
Claudia Pina’s second-half brace came on either side of Irene Paredes’ third to all put Chelsea to the sword. They will have their work cut out for them ahead of next week’s second leg at Stamford Bridge.
They are not unused to comebacks, though, having overturned Manchester City’s two-goal advantage in the quarter-final. World record signing Naomi Girma’s return to action will also be a boost for Chelsea ahead of the second leg.
Chelsea have cruised this season and are well placed to win a domestic treble, but seem to have met their match in Spain as they were roundly outclassed by the reigning UWCL champions.
