LONDON, March 27 — Chelsea made a remarkable comeback in the first leg to secure a spot in the Women’s Champions League semifinals with a commanding 3-0 win against Manchester City on Thursday. The match, played at Stamford Bridge, saw Chelsea overturn a first-leg 2-0 defeat against City, setting up a challenging semifinal clash with the reigning champions, Barcelona.
In the all-English quarterfinal, Chelsea’s Sandy Baltimore opened the scoring early with a left-footed rebound after Lucy Bronze’s shot struck the post in the 14th minute. Chelsea captain Millie Bright reflected on the victory, stating, “We were never in doubt. We had full confidence in ourselves. Unbelievable mentality and desire to come back. A true Chelsea performance.”
Nathalie Björn further strengthened Chelsea’s position with a header in the 38th minute, doubling the team’s advantage. Lauren James then set up Mayra Ramírez, who successfully beat City’s goalkeeper Khiara Keating to give Chelsea a 3-2 lead on aggregate.
Chelsea’s victory comes as a response to their previous defeat by City, which had ended Chelsea’s unbeaten streak and marked coach Sonia Bompastor’s first loss in their 29-game season.
In another quarterfinal clash, Barcelona continued their dominant form by crushing Wolfsburg with a 6-1 win in the second leg. The Spanish side, aiming for a third consecutive Women’s Champions League title, progressed with an overwhelming 10-2 aggregate score.
Barcelona’s Salma Paralluelo and Clàudia Pina both shone, each scoring twice. Paralluelo opened the scoring with a precise left-footed finish from the corner of the area just 10 minutes into the game. Shortly after, a clever cut-back from Esmee Brugts allowed Paralluelo to add a second.
Brugts solidified Barcelona’s lead with a powerful drive from distance, making it 3-0. Later, Pina showcased her skill with a right-footed strike from the edge of the area, adding to Barcelona’s tally. Although Wolfsburg managed to score through Lineth Beerensteyn, Pina responded by curling in a free kick for her second goal, followed by María León’s long-range free kick in the closing moments.
Elsewhere, record eight-time champions Lyon outclassed Bayern Munich with a 4-1 victory to ensure their place in the semifinal, where they will face Arsenal. The London club made waves with their remarkable comeback, advancing after a decisive 3-0 against Real Madrid.
The upcoming semifinal ties rekindle past rivalries, with Barcelona and Lyon having met in the final three times over the past six years, including last season’s decider.