UWCL: Chelsea Stun Manchester City to Set Up Champions League Semi-Final with Barcelona
Chelsea's women's team have pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Manchester City 3-0 and reach the Champions League semi-finals, where they will face reigning champions Barcelona.
Chelsea's women's team staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Manchester City 3-0 and advance to the Champions League semi-finals. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Chelsea's victory marked a stunning turnaround, securing their spot in the next round. As a result, they will face reigning champions Barcelona in the semi-finals.
Barcelona had earlier set the tone for the day with a resounding 6-1 victory over Wolfsburg in Catalonia. This convincing win sealed a 10-2 aggregate triumph for the Spanish giants, demonstrating their dominance in the competition. With this result, Barcelona have cemented their status as favorites to defend their title, and they will now face Chelsea in the semi-finals.
Chelsea's women's team exacted revenge for their rare defeat in the first leg by defeating Manchester City 3-0 in the Champions League quarter-final second leg. This match marked the fourth encounter between the two teams in just 12 days, and Chelsea wasted no time in turning the tie around. Sandy Baltimore's powerful blast into the top corner and Nathalie Bjorn's header from a corner had the Blues level at 2-2 on aggregate by halftime.
WE’RE THROUGH TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS!!#UWCL pic.twitter.com/KohD8rE1Bv
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) March 27, 2025
Lauren James sealed the win for Chelsea in the second half, capitalizing on a sloppy City pass to set up Mayra Ramirez for the decisive goal. With this victory, Chelsea remain on track to achieve an unprecedented quadruple in Sonia Bompastor's first season as manager. Having already claimed the League Cup title with a 2-1 win over City earlier this month, Chelsea have also advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals and hold an eight-point lead atop the Women's Super League table.
However, Chelsea's most significant challenge lies ahead, as they prepare to face reigning champions Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals next month. The Catalan giants have been virtually unstoppable in the competition, and Chelsea will need to be at the top of their game if they hope to dethrone the champions and continue their pursuit of an historic quadruple.
Champions League final four: Here we come. 👊 pic.twitter.com/3eP66Us5ls
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) March 27, 2025
Chelsea's bid to win their first Champions League title has been thwarted by Spanish champions Barcelona in three of the past four seasons. On each of those occasions, Pere Romeu's side has gone on to claim the tournament title. Barcelona's dominance was underscored by their record-breaking seventh consecutive semi-final appearance. The team's momentum was momentarily halted by a surprise defeat to Real Madrid in the first-ever women's El Clasico on Sunday, but they swiftly regained their footing with a resounding win over Wolfsburg.
Barcelona's victory over Wolfsburg was a testament to their attacking prowess, as they built on their 4-1 first-leg lead with ease. Salma Paralluelo's rapid-fire double set the tone for the match, followed by Esmee Brugts' powerful strike from outside the box. Substitute Claudia Pina further extended Barcelona's lead after the hour mark, breezing past Anneke Borbe at her near post. Although Lineth Beerensteyn managed to pull a goal back for the visitors, Pina's second goal, scored via a free-kick, and Mapi Leon's long-range effort in stoppage time sealed the rout.
Won the cup.
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) March 27, 2025
Won the tie.
Won in the league.
This battle belonged to Chelsea. 👊 https://t.co/yJILYlOenx
The Champions League semi-finals are now set, with Barcelona facing Chelsea and Arsenal taking on eight-time winners Lyon. The winners of these ties will advance to the final in Lisbon on May 24. Arsenal's clash with Lyon promises to be an exciting encounter, as the English side seeks to overcome the French giants and reach the final. Meanwhile, Barcelona will be looking to continue their dominance in the competition and defend their title against Chelsea.
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