Barcelona secured a decisive 4-1 home victory over Chelsea in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League semi-final.
The tournament’s leading scorer, Claudia Pina, scored twice as Barca scored three goals in the final 20 minutes to take a commanding first-leg lead.
Chelsea’s goal came from winger-turned-outside back Sandy Baltimore in the 74th minute, as the Women’s Super League leaders created few scoring chances.
Barca’s first scoring opportunity came in the tenth minute, when a shot grazed the hand of Chelsea defender Natalie Bjorn inside the box. A video assistant referee (VAR) review led to a penalty, but Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas was denied by Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
The reigning Champions League title holders maintained an airtight midfield press throughout the half which Chelsea struggled to break free from, resulting in sporadic line-breaking balls played in behind Barcelona’s defense, primarily to striker Mayra Ramirez, whose efforts were quickly and aggressively stifled before she or any other Chelsea attackers could create meaningful or threatening chances.
The visiting team’s first shot on target came in stoppage time of the first half from an Aggie Beever-Jones free kick but her effort was pushed out of bounds by Barcelona No 1…
