Barcelona beat Chelsea to reach UEFA Women’s Champions League final – Firstpost

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes claimed Barcelona benefited from the “worst decision in the history of the Women’s Champions League” as the title holders reached the final with a controversial 2-0 victory on Saturday.

Trailing 1-0 from the semi-final first leg, Jonatan Giraldez’s side took the lead through Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s Kadeisha Buchanan was sent off in the second half for a controversial second booking.

And Fridolina Rolfo wrapped up Barcelona’s 2-1 aggregate win with a questionable penalty.

In the final in Bilbao on May 25, Barca will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Lyon, who meet on Sunday in the second leg of their semi-final with Lyon leading 3-2.

This will be Barca’s fourth consecutive place in the final as they look to lift the trophy for a third time.

Hayes was furious at the decisions that went against her team, saying: “In the second half we were taking over. Then, when you receive such a shocking arbitration decision, there is nothing you can do about it.

“It’s difficult when you have 11. When you have 10, it’s practically impossible.

“Even the Barca players said they knew the referee was helpful to them. I didn’t think it was a foul, let alone a yellow card.

“I was surprised when I saw the referee selected. She is famous for her easy cards. I think it’s probably the worst decision in the history of the Women’s Champions League.

Chelsea’s first-leg victory last week was Barca’s only defeat this season, ending the club’s five-year unbeaten run at home.

Hayes, who will take over as coach of the United States women’s national team at the end of this season, said Chelsea would need to produce a perfect performance to once again defeat “the best team in the world” in the rematch.

Chelsea failed to meet the challenge and the wait for a first Champions League crown continues.

‘It is special’

They have now lost to Barca in successive Champions League semi-finals after being beaten by the Spanish club in the 2021 final.

“We are very happy. We deserved the victory. In the first leg we were not better than the opponent. Today we created clearer chances,” Giraldez said.

“The connection with the players is incredible. I am proud of them. I’m really happy to get another final. It is special.

Bonmati fired an early warning shot which Hannah Hampton dived to her right to save.

It was a threat that Chelsea failed to heed and Bonmati punished them to open the scoring in the 25th minute.

Conceding possession in a sloppy manner, Chelsea were unable to stop Bonmati, who cleverly avoided Niamh Charles on the edge of the box before launching a fierce strike which deflected off Buchanan.

Hayes’ side should have equalized when Sjoeke Nusken rushed a shot that rolled back off the post early in the second half.

Much to his frustration, Buchanan received his marching orders in the 59th minute after a challenge on Patri Guijarro who appeared to take the ball but was deemed worthy of a second yellow card.

Barca delivered the final blow in the 75th minute when Bonmati was fouled in the box by Jess Carter and Ashley Lawrence.

Once again Chelsea complained vehemently, but Rolfo stepped in to send Hampton the wrong way with a composed kick as Barca completed another final appearance.