Chelsea have achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first team since February 2019 to defeat Barcelona on their home turf.
The victory came in the Champions League semi-final first leg, with Chelsea securing a hard-fought 1-0 win.
The decisive goal came in the first half, courtesy of Erin Cuthbert. Her strike proved to be the difference-maker in a closely contested match between the two sides.
Facing a formidable Barcelona team that had not suffered a defeat since May last year, Chelsea managed to secure a crucial advantage in the tie. Cuthbert’s goal has put Chelsea in a strong position to clinch victory in the overall matchup against Barcelona.
Emma Hayes made five changes to the Chelsea side who beat Aston Villa in the WSL earlier this week.
Lauren James, who the club said had a foot injury on Wednesday, was back in the starting XI while Captain Millie Bright was also in the squad for the first time since November after recovering from a knee injury.
Barcelona had a massive chance right at the end to equalise, but they couldn’t and thus means Chelsea take a slim, into the second leg, which is next Saturday in London.
The two sides had previously met at the same stage of the competition last year however it was Barcelona who won the first leg by a goal to nil and then went on to the final.
Prior to this game Barcelona had not lost in the 31 games they’ve played this season; picking up 29 wins, 2 draws in the league and Champions League, but Chelsea have ended the streak and would have to put up a good fight if they want to defend their trophy.