Barcelona made it to their third straight women’s Champions League final by drawing 1-1 with Chelsea at Camp Nou on Thursday, advancing with a 2-1 overall score.
Caroline Graham Hansen scored the first goal of the game after 63 minutes, but Guro Reiten equalized soon after by scoring from a rebound after Sam Kerr’s initial shot was blocked.
The 2021 winners made it to their fourth final in five years while playing in front of over 72,000 fans, the third highest attendance in the competition’s history, with only two records set by Barcelona last season being higher.
Despite being outmatched, Chelsea demonstrated determination and resilience to hold off Barca and prevent them from winning at home for the first time this season in any competition.
According to Barca coach Jonatan Giraldez, there was a time after their opponent’s goal when they were mostly in their half of the field, but his team prevented them from creating any chances.
The speaker expresses their joy for both the team and fans. They acknowledge the challenges faced and are proud to have made it to another final.
Barcelona did not have Lucy Bronze, who underwent knee surgery, and Alexia Putellas, who won the Ballon d’Or, was on the bench for the first time this season due to an ACL injury she sustained in July.
The Spanish star did not play in a close and intense game because it was too risky for them to return. According to Giraldez, the game was too fast-paced and open.
Graham Hansen’s goal for Barcelona was disallowed because she used her arm to control the ball.
Asisat Oshoala, a Nigerian football player, missed a good opportunity to score while her team had control of the ball but couldn’t find a way to score.
Barcelona demonstrated great possession skills but lacked the ability to score, while Aitana Bonmati had impressive footwork but was not able to score for her team, the Blues.
A significant achievement or discovery.
Graham Hansen attempted to score by dancing across the box in the second half, but Giraldez’s team still had control of the game and prevented her from reaching the goal.
After a great run down the field by Bonmati, the Norwegian winger scored following a precise pass from Graham Hansen.
Chelsea quickly reacted after Erin Cuthbert made a strong tackle on Mariona Caldentey, which led to Melanie Leupolz passing the ball to Kerr.
The Australian striker was stopped by Barcelona goalkeeper Sandra Panos, but Reiten took advantage of the ball bouncing her way and scored.
Panos kicked a curved shot from far away as Chelsea tried to score a goal to extend the game, with Emma Hayes’ team eventually dominating.
Barcelona attempted to end the match by scoring on a counterattack, and Salma Paralluelo, who came on as a substitute, nearly scored with a low shot that was saved by Ann-Katrin Berger.
Barcelona’s Brazilian striker Geyse failed to score a goal for her team in the last minutes of the game, while the hosts managed to hold Chelsea at bay.