Stamford Bridge hosted a possible early final between a triple European champion and a perennial contender for the throne. in a first half that was eventful due to a broadcast blackout, and a second in which their dominance grew, although it was not enough against an English team that continued to warn (1-1). The long-suffering draw was worth it for the culés, who maintain the lead in the league phase shared with Olympique Lyon, but with a greater goal difference.
1
Livia Peng, Nathalie Björn, Lucy Bronze, Naomi Girma, Sandy Baltimore, Keira Walsh, Alyssa Thompson, Ellie Carpenter, Erin Cuthbert, Wieke Kaptein y Aggie Beever-Jones (Catarina Macário, min. 71)
1
Cata Coll, Esmee Brugts (Aïcha Cámara, min. 62), Irene Paredes, Mapi León, Ona Batlle, Laia Aleixandri, Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas (Sydney Schertenleib, min. 86), Caroline Graham Hansen (Vicky López, min. 73), Clàudia Pina (Kika Nazareth, min. 86) and Ewa Pajor
Goals
1-0 min. 15: Ellie Carpenter. 1-1 min. 23: Ewa Pajor
The new format of the Champions League once again crossed paths between both teams, now old acquaintances, and it did so earlier than usual, in a league phase that turned into routine what until recently was a clash reserved for the spring, a reissue of the last three semifinals that reinforces the feeling that it is a European classic. The record leaned on the side of Barça, which returned to London with its most recognizable eleven despite the absences of and Salma Paralluelo, repeating the classic scheme, although with a variation: Aitana Bonmatí. The pressure fell on Sonia Bompastor, whose Chelsea, although undefeated since April 27 when they lost to Barça, no longer exhibits the dominance of yesteryear. Second in the English league, they are outside the top four in the Champions League despite their very long squad and economic power. With more to lose than gain, Bompastor opted for a more defensive eleven than usual, also conditioned by losses in attack, such as Mayra Ramírez or Sam Kerr, and without its starting goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton.
That did not mean that Chelsea gave up their plan: they came out to press high, suffocating Barça, who took a while to adjust, but arrived at the rival area with intention. The English, with this high and sustained pressure in short passes, neutralized Alexia and Aitana, while seeking to progress from the outside. Especially with Baltimore, who hurt Ona Batlle from the left and forced Graham Hansen to multiply in defense. The goal came from the opposite side, in an almost solo race that culminated in a powerful shot.
Barça, more intermittent but incisive, found the tie in an action of pure instinct: a poorly cleared corner left the ball loose in the area and Ewa Pajor, lethal in the smallest of spaces, finished off to tie the score. The tie did not bring calm, because Chelsea continued to find ways to disrupt the Blaugranas, who still did not have control of the midfield despite Aleixandri’s great performance, nor in defense, with inaccuracies from Mapi León that demanded more from Cata Coll than usual. When the duel entered its most vibrant section, the match came to a sudden halt: a blackout left the international broadcast without a signal and plunged the stadium into confusion that lasted about ten minutes, with the players standing at a temperature below zero.
Barça came out in the second half to recover their pressure after losing, as well as their possession, planting themselves more in the rival area and gradually dominating the game. But it failed to translate into clear chances, and Chelsea continued to warn, easily reaching Cata’s goal, even with a goal disallowed for Macario due to offside. Despite the improvement, the Blaugranas failed to score. And they settled for the tie.
