Chelsea vs Barcelona odds and betting statistics
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Chelsea vs Barcelona match preview
The UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals get underway with a repeat of the 2021 final.
Back then, Barcelona crushed Chelsea 4-0 in Göteborg, with all four goals coming in the first 36 minutes.
That was actually Barça’s first-ever Champions League title, but they’re very much favourites to add to that this season.
Last year, the Blaugrana reached a third final in four seasons, with most expecting them to prevail, but it was Olympique Lyonnais who ran out 3-1 winners in Turin.
This time round, Jonatan Giráldez’s side appear to be even stronger, having scored 35 goals in the competition against Benfica, Rosengård, Bayern Munich and Roma.
Meanwhile, a fourth consecutive Liga F is a formality, with Barça having won all 25 league games so far, scoring 105 goals and conceding just five; ridiculous figures.
Chelsea meanwhile are still seeking to win this competition for the very first time, with their sole final appearance that aforementioned demolition at the hands of Barça.
In the previous round, Emma Hayes’ team were dead and buried against Lyon, 2-1 down on aggregate in the eighth minute of injury time of extra time.
But then, Lauren James was tripped in the box, referee Ivana Martinčić pointed to the spot and Maren Mjelde lashed home, thereby setting up a penalty shootout.
Mjelde, Sam Kerr, Jessie Fleming and Jess Carter all held their nerve from 12 yards, but goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was the hero, saving twice as Chelsea completed the comeback.
Domestically, the Blues have an FA Cup Final against Manchester United to look forward to and are second in the WSL, four points below Man United, but with two games in hand.
Given that Barça have won their last 19 Champions League home games, if Chelsea are going to get through this tie, it’s imperative that they win this first leg at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea team news
Two of England’s Euro winners centre-back Millie Bright and midfielder Fran Kirby are out injured, as is Canadian defender Kadeisha Buchanan.
Zećira Mušović was in goal for Sunday’s FA Cup win over Aston Villa, but quarter-final hero Ann-Katrin Berger is expected to return here.
Pernille Harder hasn’t featured since November due to a hamstring injury, but is expected to be on the bench.
Australia Sam Kerr will remain Chelsea’s primary goal threat, having scored 25 goals this season, five of which have been in this competition.
Barcelona team news
Two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner Alexia Putellas has been out for almost a year, but is nearing a return to full fitness.
Meanwhile, Barça’s top scorer this season Asisat Oshoala wasn’t in the squad that beat Atlético Madrid a week ago, meaning she is a doubt.
England stars Lucy Bronze and Kiera Walsh are set to feature, as will Aitana Bonmatí and Caroline Graham Hansen; they both scored against Chelsea in the 2021 final.
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