We 4-1 will take that result

The mission is simple; Do the exact same thing as the year prior. Perhaps not to replicate the equivalent scoreline of 2-1, which was a very close result, nor recreate the stress of having a penalty shot determine the tie-breaker… in short, defeat the enemy, again. Déjà-vu may be an overused term in sport, although Barcelona Femení are certainly no strangers to the fateful accumulation of ditching it out against England’s Chelsea Women for continental glory.

A fortified competitor, Chelsea Women show no mercy to domestic foes such as Arsenal Women and Manchester United, Tottenham and Manchester City wherein they lead the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) title race. Elite level women’s professional football in England is still growing, along with Spain since Barcelona Femení seem to make it look too easy most times. With only two losses in the regular season, the need for a wholesome and energetic challenger resonates throughout Liga F. Luckily, the question of “Which country’s league produces the best clubs in Europe?” seems to be answered through the UEFA Women’s Champions League tournament. After initial group stages back in October-December of 2024, followed by knockout stages at the beginning of this year, the final four remain; Arsenal (England), Chelsea (England), Lyon (France) and Barcelona (Spain).

Barcelona’s side of the bracket has come down to a savoury semi-final. Taking down Germany’s VfL Wolfsburg in the quarterfinals, the inevitable clash with Chelsea FC in the semi-final happened once again as it did last season. From that timeline, Femení went on to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League, making it a run to remember. Although in this tournament’s edition so far, after one semi-final match played out of two (aggregate outcome), Barça Femení exceeded previous expectations and stunningly left their mark at the Estadi Johan Cruyff on Easter Sunday. Even bigger and better than before, the home field advantage in Barcelona was not taken for granted.

The Culers were more than ready mentally, physically and spiritually. Starting off strong with an attempted header by defender Irene Paredes, Chelsea’s Nathalie Björn, who is also the Swedish international teammate of Barça’s Fridolina Rolfö, caught her arm deflecting the ball from Paredes’ head in the penalty area. Meaning, within 15 minutes, Femení were awarded a penalty to take early advantage of the blue team. Captain Alexia Putellas stepped up the plate, took a deep breath, silenced the crowd, placed her shot and missed. Chelsea’s net minder Hannah Hampton took a dive in the right direction, denying Alexia an easy opening goal. Although initially disappointing, Barcelona had to quickly shake it off and focus on the task of trying again.

In the 35th minute, striker Ewa Pajor made magic happen after an unfortunate trip up by Barcelona’s former loyal Lucy Bronze and an unorganised Chelsea backline, scoring with a marvelous touch off of the right foot thanks to a brilliant pass from Alexia. 1-0 going into halftime would be the icebreaker. Only in the 70th minute did another goal appear on behalf of youngster Claudia Pina. Femení’ keeper Cata Coll was vital in making her presence known with four saves, as Chelsea proved worthy with less ball possession but tough shots, sliding one past Coll owing to Sandy Baltimore. One goal was all that Chelsea were to be allowed, as Irene Paredes once again took advantage of her height during a corner kick standing near the back post ready for a perfectly placed header.

Even at 3-1 with five minutes left, this result would not suffice. The second leg of the semi-final is set to be played on Sunday the 27th at Stamford Bridge in London. There is a statistic probability that Chelsea can orchestrate a comeback if they muster courage and a miracle in front of fans; Three goals is not impossible in 90 minutes. Claudia Pina and the rest of Barcelona Femení are well aware of that and made sure to seal the nail in the coffin with a blazing, triumphant buzzer beater. 4-1 as the final whistle blew. That result is one way to send off your opponents. Last season, Chelsea had led the aggregate with a victory in Barcelona, followed by defeat at home in London. How the tables have turned in jut under 365 days. Barcelona will be more than ready to defend their lead and have their sights set on Lisbon, Portugal at the end of May to play for yet another trophy and seize the day.