Barcelona, reigning champions of the Women’s Champions League, face a stern test in the semi-finals as they prepare to meet Chelsea for the third consecutive season. While the Catalan giants have asserted their dominance in Europe by lifting the trophy three times in the past four editions, signs suggest their supremacy is no longer unchallenged.
The first leg of this heavyweight clash is set for Sunday at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Despite their decorated recent history, Barcelona no longer appear as invincible as they did under former coach Jonatan Giraldez. Current head coach Pere Romeu has kept the team competitive, but the aura of dominance is fading, and Chelsea will sense an opportunity to turn the tide.
Barcelona edged past Chelsea 2-1 on aggregate in both of the last two semi-final meetings, but this season the English side have added firepower and tactical nous. Sonia Bompastor, who guided Lyon to European glory in the past, now leads Chelsea and has brought a fresh dynamic to the squad.
Although Barcelona still boasts elite talents such as Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, the team has seen some key departures. England internationals Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh are now on Chelsea’s side, while Mariona Caldentey moved to Arsenal, who are battling Lyon in the other semi-final.
Caroline Graham Hansen, a standout performer last season, remains a significant threat on the right wing but has seen a dip in form, mirroring the inconsistency of others in the squad. Putellas, returning from a long-term knee injury, continues to show glimpses of brilliance but has struggled for rhythm, while Fridolina Rolfo finds herself in a similar position.
Younger players like Vicky Lopez and Sydney Schertenleib offer potential but are yet to fully break through as key figures. The weight of past success may also be influencing the squad’s drive the hunger to dominate is harder to maintain when the trophy cabinet is already full.
Meanwhile, the level of competition both domestically and across Europe has intensified. Barcelona recently suffered their first-ever defeat to Real Madrid and have now lost twice in the league. They were also bested by Manchester City earlier in the Champions League campaign a rare sign of vulnerability.
Nevertheless, Barcelona remain alive in all competitions. They’ve claimed the Spanish Super Cup, reached the Copa de la Reina final, and sit top of Liga F. Convincing victories over Atletico Madrid and Wolfsburg highlight that they are still a formidable force.
The upcoming tie against Chelsea promises to be a tightly contested affair. Chelsea are chasing a historic quadruple this season but will be without key forward Lauren James for the trip to Barcelona. Last year, the Blues stunned the Catalans with a 1-0 win at the Olympic Stadium, only to fall short after a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert believes her side are in a strong position this time. “The gap is closing and it’s a two-legged tie, anything can happen,” she noted. “They’ve historically been the best for a number of years now… there’s no better test than going up against the best.”
Barcelona’s long-term ambition is to catch up to Lyon’s record eight titles. For now, their focus remains firmly on another final but Chelsea, improved and hungry, stand firmly in their way.
