The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Chelsea vs Barcelona LIVE: Women’s Champions League semi-final result and reaction after Bonmati and Rolfo goals
Emma Hayes’s side fell short against the champions in front of the biggest-ever crowd for a women’s game at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s hopes of winning a first Women’s Champions League title were ended as Barcelona overturned a first-leg deficit to win 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and progress to the final.
Fridolina Rolfo fired home from the penalty spot with 15 minutes to play to complete the defending champions’ fightback and seal a 2-1 aggregate victory, after Emma Hayes’ side had been made to endure the final half-hour with 10 players following the sending-off of Kadeisha Buchanan.
Barca had already levelled the tie via a deflected finish from Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati by the time the Chelsea defender saw red. Reaching for a loose ball inside the centre circle, she landed a foot on the ankle of Patri Guijarro and referee Iuliana Demetrescu did not hesitate in showing a second yellow card.
In Hayes’ final season in charge at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea battled gamely to give their outgoing manager the chance to depart on a high in next month’s final in Bilbao.
But despite Barca being camped in their own half, time ran out on the home side who bowed out in the last four for the second season running.
Relive all the action and follow the reaction from Chelsea vs Barcelona below, while you can watch the Women’s Champions League Semi-Finals for free on DAZN
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona
90+1 mins: Bonmati struggles off, she wanted the stretcher. She departs with Alexia stepping in for the final minutes.
Six added minutes! The crowd reacts, can Chelsea send this to extra-time?
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona
88 mins: Rolfo, Guijarro and Bonmati keeping the ball superbly. Chelsea now desperate to win it back and launch a final attack or two.
Pina now involved, it’s quick, short passing, a masterclass in seeing out a game.
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona
85 mins: Chelsea have gone for this with a triple substitution. Kirby, Bright and Perisset on for James, Kaneryd and Lawrence.
Pina on for Hansen as Barcelona also freshen things up.
Chelsea just trying to get out of their own half. Pina floats a looping ball to the back post with Paralluelo lurking. But Hampton is alert and makes a fine claim.
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona
79 mins: Chelsea react, to their credit, with Engen clattering Beever-Jones.
Cuthbert with a free-kick out on the right, can she find the right delivery?
Carter keeps it alive, but Barcelona just about survive, Set-pieces will likely be the route back into this tie for Chelsea you feel.
Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona
75 mins: GOAL! Rolfo calmly slots home, sending Hampton the wrong way. A gorgeous penalty.
But that is a controversial decision, given Bonmati ran into the back of Lawrence. But it’s 0-2, and Chelsea look beaten with 15 minutes remaining.
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
73 mins: PENALTY BARCELONA!
Bonmati in behind and sprinting at full speed. She’s electric.
But off balance, her legs collide with Lawrence’s. Another controversial decision! VAR checks, but it’s confirmed.
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
72 mins: Barcelona buzzing now and looking to put Chelsea away.
Bonmati surges in behind, but is forced back away from goal. Barcelona just trying to pick the lock now, Chelsea in a low block and hoping to survive.
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
67 mins: Caldentey is on for Barcelona, Ona Batlle makes way. Time to go for the kill, it seems.
Kaneryd storms down the right for Chelsea and it’s a clever turn back inside, but her left-footed strike, despite being clean, is straight at Cata Coll.
A rare glimpse in transition for the hosts, they’ll need to be ruthless when Barcelona are not settled.
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
65 mins: Macario off, Reiten on for the Blues to add some fresh legs. It’s a 4-4-1 formation now for Hayes’ side.
While Barcelona prepare the move to turn the screw with a move themselves.
Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona
59 mins: Buchanan goes in hard on Patri Guijarro and wins the ball, but the referee flashes a second yellow card and SHE'S OFF!
It’s harsh, Buchanan gets the ball, firstly, but as she deflects the ball, her foot comes down and catches the very end of Patri Guijarro’s toes.
Chelsea with a mountain to climb now.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies