It was all in the plan, it seemed. As Chelsea traveled to Stamford Bridge for the first time under Emma Hayes, the club’s then-chairman Bruce Buck declared that, in a sense, “mission accomplished”. Fewer than 4,000 people were in attendance as Chelsea were beaten 3-0 by Wolfsburg, but the historic occasion of Chelsea’s women’s team playing at Stamford Bridge was a reflection of Hayes’ vision. “Emma explained what she wanted to create here,” Buck wrote in the Match program seven years ago. “But I know Emma wouldn’t want the trip to end here.” And neither did it.
But now there is an end of sorts, as Chelsea return to the home Hayes built for the second leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. Hayes’ final match at Stamford Bridge could not have been better: with a slim 1-0 lead to protect against the best team in the world, the chance to knock out the holders and reach the Bilbao final. And the biggest ever attendance for a women’s game at Stamford Bridge. With Hayes’ dream final season at Chelsea coming to a close and a first Champions League title looming, one day remains, the chance for the first sale in the club’s history.
Only Hayes will know when he arrives at Chelsea in 2012 if his dreams for the future are as big. Apart from a Champions League final, or six Women’s Super League titles and five FA Cups, it would be their crowning achievement in many ways. 12 years at Hayes’ club, the impossible became a reality. Theirs is a story that has spanned tours, where the sport’s rapid growth means a celebration of attendances like 4,000 now feels unimaginable, and one that ends with its most important chapter yet. can
And so the arrival of Barcelona for the second time in as many seasons. Chelsea are ready to respond after Barcelona were stunned and humbled, suffering their first defeat of the season in the first leg last week. Hayes’ side executed their defensive game plan to perfection and Erin Cuthbert’s goal secured a famous win at the Louis Companies Olympic Stadium. There’s a score to settle: Barcelona are determined to raise their game and claim revenge, yet given Hayes’ feelings in charge of his final weeks, the European champions will need a structured defense and discipline. Will compete more than the unit.
The chance to finally win the Champions League heightens the narrative, in a clash that should be far more tense and tough than last season’s semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge. After that, it was no contest, and Chelsea’s inactivity meant Barcelona’s dominance meant the match struggled to live up to its billing. That Barcelona return in the second leg – and Chelsea have the upper hand in defense – calls for a hostile atmosphere to fuel the evening and help Hayes over the line. Last season’s late comeback and quarter-final victory over holders Lyon could be a boost.
There is also a more recent motivation. Chelsea were superb last week, becoming the first team to beat Barcelona away from home in five years. A defensive masterclass stifled the holders, limiting the Spanish side to few chances, while an aggressive and intense style disrupted the European champions and their midfield passing. Barcelona and their superstars were clearly shaken, with Ballon d’Or holder Etana Bonamati accusing Chelsea of ”playing dirty” and “disrupting” the game. Bonamati claimed that Barcelona had warned the referee that Chelsea would try to slow the game down, and still succeeded.
Such a response would have been music to Chelsea’s ears, proof beyond a memorable scoreline that their approach had been successful. Hayes was quick to point out that the tie was only at half-time and insisted Chelsea could have been more. Barcelona were proud to celebrate Chelsea’s victory, but Hayes was more regretful that Moira Ramirez didn’t double Chelsea’s lead on the counter-attack as the hosts pushed for more points in search of an equaliser.
Chelsea will have to do more than defend as Barcelona look to keep their Champions League defense alive. Barcelona have vowed to bring “another level” to the second leg and when they look to return, or “Regroup“It will be an extraordinary effort from Chelsea to field a star-studded cast of Bonamati, Caroline Graham Henson, Fridolina Rolfo, Salmi Parallo and Alexia Potellis for the second game in a row. “Barcelona is coming for us, the world. Quality players will not accept defeat,” Hayes warned last week, moments after full-time.
Chelsea are preparing for it and for them it is personal. That final in Gothenburg three years ago denied Chelsea and Hayes a first Champions League spot, destroyed by a first-half onslaught by Barcelona. It’s the closest they’ve been to a Champions League final since then and ultimately, a first win against Barcelona won’t count if they don’t get the job done and reach the final as well. The quadruple period is over but the Champions League dream is still alive. For Chelsea and Hayes, this would be their biggest victory yet.
Emma Hayes’ Chelsea take on Spanish superstars Barcelona in a thrilling UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final second leg. Watch all the action live and free on DAZN. We may earn a commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow it to influence our content. The proceeds help fund journalism across The Independent.
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