Barcelona booked their spot in May’s Women’s Champions League final as they overcame a 1-0 deficit from the first leg to beat 10-woman Chelsea 2-0 in front of a sold-out Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Chelsea’s defeat ensures that the Champions League will remain the one trophy that eludes Emma Hayes as she leaves the club to coach the United States women’s national team at the end of the season.
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Reigning Ballon d’Or Féminin holder Aitana Bonmatí put Barça ahead on the night and level on aggregate with a shot that deflected in off Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan in the 26th minute.
The hosts were left to rue a number of missed opportunitites as Lauren James failed to convert from Sjoeke Nüsken‘s pass across goal before the Germany midfielder hit the post in the second half with an effort of her own.
Chelsea were reduced to 10 women moments before the hour mark when Buchanan was controversially shown a second yellow card for tackle on Patri Guijarro when it looked as if she had won the ball fairly.
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VAR was in operation at Stamford Bridge but was only able to intervene with direct red card offences.
It didn’t take Barça long to make their woman advantage count as Bonmatí went over in the box after a coming together with Jess Carter and Ashley Lawrence.
Fridolina Rolfö made no mistake with her penalty as she sent Hannah Hampton the wrong way from the spot to secure Barça’s safe passage to the final in Bilbao.
