In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Johan Cruyff, FC Barcelona Femenino is set to face Chelsea FC Femenino in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League semifinals on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 18:00 hours. This matchup marks the continuation of a fierce rivalry, as these two powerhouse teams meet for the third consecutive season at this stage of the prestigious tournament.
The stakes are high for both teams, with Barcelona looking to defend their title after triumphing in the previous season against Chelsea. The Blaugranas, who are currently leading the Liga F, come into this match with a strong momentum following a decisive 5-1 victory over Sevilla in their last league outing. Barcelona has only suffered two losses this season, the most recent being a 1-3 defeat to Real Madrid.
On the other side, Chelsea arrives with a blend of confidence and determination. They recently drew 2-2 against West Ham in the Women's Super League but remain unbeaten in their domestic league. The Blues also showcased their resilience in the FA Cup, where they secured a spot in the final by defeating Liverpool 2-1. Chelsea's only defeat in the Champions League this season came against Manchester City in the first leg of the quarterfinals, but they bounced back with a 3-0 victory in the return leg to advance.
Historically, this matchup has favored Barcelona, who have won three of the five encounters in the UEFA Women's Champions League, with Chelsea claiming one victory and the teams drawing once. Notably, Chelsea's only win against Barcelona occurred in the second leg of the semifinals last season, where they edged out a 2-1 victory. This history adds an extra layer of intensity to the upcoming clash, as Chelsea seeks to overcome their past struggles against the Catalan giants.
Barcelona's coach, Pere Romeu, expressed his excitement ahead of the match, emphasizing the importance of leveraging their home advantage. "We are aware of the challenge Chelsea presents, but we are focused on our game plan and the strengths we bring to the pitch," he stated. The Blaugranas have a formidable roster, featuring key players like Ewa Pajor, Alexia Putellas, and Aitana Bonmatí, who have been instrumental in their successful campaign this season.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's new coach, Sonia Bompastor, is preparing her team for a tough battle. She acknowledged the experience and skill of Barcelona, labeling them as "one of the best, if not the best" team in Europe. Bompastor's squad includes significant talents such as Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, and Keira Walsh, who aim to make their mark in this critical encounter.
The match will be broadcast live on DAZN, available through Movistar+ and other streaming platforms, allowing fans worldwide to witness this exciting semifinal showdown. As the teams take to the pitch, both sets of supporters will be hoping for a thrilling display of football, with the winner of this tie set to face either Olympique de Lyon or Arsenal in the final.
With the kickoff approaching, the anticipation is palpable. Barcelona aims to assert their dominance on home soil, while Chelsea is determined to prove they can finally break the curse against their Spanish rivals. This match promises to be a captivating spectacle, showcasing the best of women's football as both teams vie for a place in the coveted final in Lisbon.
As the teams finalize their preparations, fans are eagerly awaiting this clash of titans, which not only holds significance for the clubs but also for the growth and recognition of women's football on a global stage. The outcome of this match could redefine the rivalry and set the tone for future encounters.
In conclusion, as Barcelona and Chelsea prepare to battle it out in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League semifinals, the excitement is building. Will Barcelona continue their winning streak against Chelsea, or will the Blues finally find a way to overcome their historical challenges? Only time will tell as the match unfolds.
