Emma Hayes said she couldn't watch Chelsea's penalty shootout victory over Lyon as the Blues made it to the semi-finals of the Women's Champions League.
Hayes' team looked to have suffered late heartbreak when Lyon substitute Sara Dabritz struck in extra-time which put the holders 2-1 up on aggregate. But Lauren James went over in the box in the dying seconds and after a lengthy VAR review Chelsea were awarded a penalty.
Maren Mjelde stepped up to convert and send a dramatic tie to a penalty shootout, which Chelsea then won 4-3 with goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger making two crucial saves. And Hayes labelled substitute Mjelde a club legend for her role in the remarkable win.
"Our squad depth wasn't big and players had to come in and play multiple roles," said Hayes after the win. "For Maren to do what she did with the last kick of the game, she's a Chelsea legend.
"I didn't watch the shootout, at least until Guro (Reiten) made me. We've never won a penalty shootout as a team so can you imagine what was going on in my mind.
"I had to be conscious that the penalty takers were still on the pitch, as I didn't see a goal in us to be honest. When I saw Lyon's substitutes coming off the bench - it was one after another, all world-class talents - I felt we dealt with it well. It was the most character-building performance, even if it was the ugliest."
Chelsea managed to get through despite missing England stars Millie Bright and Fran Kirby, while Pernille Harder is a long-term injury absentee. The Blues then also lost both Melanie Leupolz and Eve Perisset during the decisive second leg, but still managed to squeeze past the eight-time champions of Europe.
"I'm just relieved it's over and we're through," added Hayes. Our depth wasn't big tonight. Players have had to come into the game and play multiple roles.
"It was drama, full of drama. I am exhausted. Relieved and exhausted."
Chelsea now face Barcelona in the semi-final next month. They join fellow WSL title contenders Arsenal in the last four who beat Bayern 2-1 on Wednesday night, with Hayes believing it is a big moment for the English league.
"I'm just so happy for English football that both teams are through," she added. "What a performance that was from Arsenal last night."
NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book
With a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.
Order from https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/
