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      ‘We need to use this time very wisely’, says Jonas Eidevall as Arsenal gear up for new season

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hopes Arsenal’s pre-season test will determine which players gel best on the pitch before their push for silverware next term.  And the Gunners chief wants his ace to have a fast start in the qualifiers for the Champions League group stage.Jonas Eidevall’s players will take on a Washington Spirit in the first game of their pre-season tour laterCredit: GettyTheir clash with the NWSL team comes four days after the club signed Sweden forward Rosa Kafaji from BK HackenCredit: GettyTonight the WSL side take on Washington Spirit in the United States in their first game of their first pre-season tour across the pond.  The Gunners will also face title-holders Chelsea on August 25 in the first meeting of the sides since Sonia Bompastor began her role as the Blues new head coach in July.  Their clash with Chelsea could offer a glimpse of a new look for the side attack following the arrivals of Spain and Sweden forwards Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji.The duo sealed summer transfers from Barcelona and BK Hacken to the Women’s League Cup holders with with Cloe Lacasse and WSL record scorer Vivianne Miedema leaving the club.Read More Football StoriesAlong with full-back Emily Fox and centre-back Laia Codina, Caldentey will join the squad on Monday after their duel with Washington Spirit. Eidevall, who guided Arsenal to League Cup wins this year and last year, said: “We need to see which players gel best with each other and what relationships we can develop.”That’s the process that we’re starting here (the US) now.”We haven’t had any sessions with the whole squad yet.Most read in Football”The whole squad (of 29) will probably be here on the 20th, so that process does not really start until then. We need to use the time very wisely.”It’s not only with our forward line but other units have players with different qualities too.“I think that’s really exciting because we have one way of playing but we can shape that in forms that are going to be as optimal as possible through game-state or opponent.”Arsenal’s duels with Chelsea and Washington Spirit, who are managed by former Barcelona head coach Jonatan Giraldez, will be followed by them facing Rangers in a Champions League qualifier.The Gunners will host the Scottish Women’s Premier League in the first round clash to qualify for the contest’s group stage on September 4thThe winners of this one-off match will take on the victors of a clash between Atletico Madrid and Norwegian side Rosenborg BK in a bid to reach the next stageWith his side suffering an unexpected qualifier knockout loss to Paris FC last term, Eidevall is keen to see them get off to a flier this year.He adds: “We’re only playing one game, so it’s not a two-legged qualifier which is very different.”You could see that in the game against Paris when we were knocked out. Eidevall hopes to guide his team through the Champions League qualifiers to the contest’s group stage this seasonCredit: Getty”The stress of conceding a goal in the second half is totally different compared to if you were playing a return leg.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The reaction of the team is going to be way different which makes the margins much smaller in these games.”We need to start fast to get those margins on the right side for us and we need to get the right answers against Washington so we have a good foundation to build from.” More

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      ‘I’m the one who puts more pressure on me’, says Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor as she targets Blues glory in Europe

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR sees becoming Chelsea boss as coming out of her comfort zone with the Blues embarking on a new era under her.Guiding the team to the Champions League prize that eluded them during Emma Hayes’ trophy-laden reign is the ex-Lyon gaffer’s a top priority. Sonia Bompastor intends to instil her football vision and philosophy at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe former Lyon head coach is aiming to win every trophy the Blues will vying for in her first season at the WSL title-holders’ helmCredit: GettyThe France-born Chelsea boss has set her sights on turning Chelsea into Champions League winnersThe France-born mother-of-four is the first woman to win contest both as a player and a manager.And next season will be the Blues’ first of the post-Hayes era following their former boss becoming USA Women’s head coach at the end of last term after 12 years at the helm.In her first Chelsea press conference yesterday, Bompastor talked of her admiration of Hayes’ legacy.Aside from attempting to add an eighth top-flight trophy to the seven the Blues lifted under her predecessor, she is determined to see them claim Europe’s top club football prize.Read More Football StoriesAnd while she respects the foundations Hayes put in place, she intends to build Chelsea in her own vision as she attempts to achieve this goal.Bompastor, who was appointed as Blues boss in May on a four-year deal, said: “I am a completely different person from Emma.”I have a different vision and philosophy. I’m just trying to build on that legacy. “For me what is really important is to come to this club, respect everything that was built before and build my own vision.Most read in Football”From my background and experience, I can support the players and the club to achieve their goals.”I will use everyone to make sure we bring what we need to bring to make sure this team keeps performing at a high level.”Next week Chelsea embark on their first pre-season tour in the USA a month before Bompastor’s first WSL game at their helm on September 22 when her team host Aston Villa. An August 20 clash with Gotham City will be followed by a duel with Arsenal five days later, a warm-up to them battling for next season’s title along with their domestic rivals. The games will also provide an insight into the approach and mindset of the new Blues chief who hates losing.Her ultra-competitive edge has been highlighted by players managed by her in the past. They include Aston Villa playmaker Kenza Dali who was coached by Bompastor in Lyon’s academy at the age of 16.Dali, describes as someone who knows exactly what it takes to win.An individual whose fierce competitive edge helped her triumph in the Champions League twice as a player in 2011 and 2012, and once as a manager in 2022.Bompastor, adds: “As a manager I am really competitive and I don’t like losing. I’m a really bad loser and I never want it to happen.“I will work really hard to make sure we are not in that position but sometimes it can happen.“I am a manager who really likes to take care of people as well.“When you are a player you always take care of yourself and sometimes you are selfish.“As a manager, you never think about you, you always think about everyone else.”Since retiring 11 years ago after a 13-year senior playing career, including two Lyon spells, Bompastor helped her the club maintain their dominance in France’s top tier.Three successive titles were won during her three seasons coaching Lyon’s senior side from 2021, after seven years managing their women’s academy.The team also lifted a Champions League trophy in May 2022 beating Barcelona 3-1 in the final.Winning this tournament with Chelsea is high on Bompastor’s agenda aside from a capturing every major domestic prize in England.And the challenge of doing so at a club who have sacked three men’s team managers since May 2022, is not a concern for her.The Chelsea chief said: “Even if the club puts me under some pressure, I’m the one who puts even more pressure on me.“I’ve signed for four years and four years is a good time for me to come and put (forward) my own philosophy and vision. “Sometimes it’s good to come out of your comfort zone and have this new challenge. For me the goal is really clear.“I had the opportunity to win the Champions League in France, but I wanted to come to a club who has the ambitions to win the Champions League and in a new country.”In the past Bompastor’s predecessor Hayes did not shy away from criticising match scheduling amid concerns fixture congestion could impact players’ welfare.Last November the Blues played three games in seven daysThese included a Saturday lunchtime duel with Liverpool preceded a Wednesday night Champions League clash away at Real Madrid.The team have a Champions League group game (on October 8 or 9) sandwiched between two of their biggest fixtures these coming season. These are a home game against Man United on October 6 and a clash with Arsenal at the Emirates on October 13.And Bompastor has no qualms about making her “voice heard” on fixture scheduling concerns. The Chelsea chief said: “Something what will be really difficult is when you have to play a Champions League game midweek, and then have to play a very big game on weekends against Arsenal, Manchester City, or Man United.”This is something really hard, because you need to perform during one week with three competitive games.”It’s really difficult sometimes for the players to be able to perform with not a lot of recovery between the games.”This is really different from France. Five-time Champions League winner Lucy Bronze is among the four new players signed by Chelsea following Bompastor’s arrivalCredit: Getty “In France, the French (football) federation was helping the French clubs a lot, especially the ones who are playing the Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They were the ones making sure Lyon were not playing a big team in the league to help us to perform in the Champions League.”This is maybe something we will need to work on with the FA. I will try to use my voice.” More

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      ‘We’ll go down in history as one of the best teams in Europe’, says Barcelona’s Lucy Bronze

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      LUCY BRONZE hailed Alexia Putellas’s classy cameo after Barcelona ended their run of Champions League final losses to Lyon in style. The midfielder’s late strike clinched a 2-0 win with incoming Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor enduring defeat in her last Lyon game. Barcelona’s 2-0 victory resulted in them winning the Women’s Champions League for a third timeCredit: GettyBronze was among her team’s standout players in the hardfought contestCredit: GettyAlexia Putellas’s injury-time strike secured the 2-0 victory for her side with Lyon pushing for a late levellerCredit: GettySonia Bompastor saw her final game in Europe at Lyon’s helm end in defeatCredit: GettyAnd Bronze, who shone in defence for Barca, became the first English player to triumph in five Women’s Champions League finals following three wins during her three-year spell at Lyon.After the game the Lioness full-back told DAZN: “We needed to be a club that really made history. “It’s hard to win it once, but to do it back-to-back, Lyon showed how difficult it is. This team has finally done that. “We’ll go down in history as one of the best teams in Europe.”Read More Football StoriesThe 190th Barca goal netted by two-time Ballon d’Or winner Putellas sealed a fairytale finish to a season disrupted by knee issues for the midfielder. Her team claimed back-to-back trophy wins in the contest for the first time in their history. Their third triumph in four years in the competition’s decider led to eight-time winners Lyon falling to their first defeat in seven finals.  Both sides had three shots on target between them in a hardfought first-half. Most read in FootballLyon skipper Wendi Renard volleyed against the post in the 15th minute and Mariona Caldentey saw her effort cleared off the line 14 minutes later. Aitana Bonmati broke the deadlock with an angled strike deflected home off Lyon defender Vanessa Gilles.Aitana Bonmati sixth Champions League goal this season gave her side a 1-0 lead in the 63rd minuteCredit: GettyAnd Putellas, who signed a new two-year deal with Barca this week, fired in a thunderous finish over goalkeeper Christiane Endler to put the result beyond doubt. Bronze added: “She’s the queen of Barcelona for a reason. “She’s had to work really hard to get back fit. She showed why she’s a two-time Ballon d’Or winner.” More

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      ‘Nothing is too big for Sonia Bompastor’, says Aston Villa’s Kenza Dali of her former Lyon academy coach

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      KENZA DALI is relishing seeing Sonia Bompastor step “out of the comfort zone” with the Lyon chief expected to become Chelsea boss.And the Aston Villa ace, 32, expects Lyon will overcome Barcelona when they battle for the Women’s Champions League crown today.Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide Lyon to a ninth Women’s Champions League trophy winCredit: GettyBarcelona hope to beat Lyon in a final of the contest for the first in their historyCredit: GettyKenza Dali reckons Bompastor could be a success at the helm of ChelseaCredit: GettyThe duel between the nine-time champs of Spain’s top-flight and Dali’s old club is the third decider in six years to be fought between the rivals. The 5:00pm fixture, at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, will be Jonatan Giraldez’s last game as Barcelona boss before he takes over as head coach of US women’s club Washington Spirit.  It will also be Bompastor’s final match at the helm of Lyon who hold the record for the most Women’s Champions League trophy wins with eight in their cabinet.The France-born head coach, 43, was reportedly identified as a top target to succeed Emma Hayes as manager of Chelsea. Read More Football StoriesThis week the ex-Blues chief began her new role as USA Women’s head coach after guiding her old side to a seventh Women’s Super League title. And her old club are expected to announce Bompastor as the new gaffer of their WSL team in the near future following today’s Champions League final.Nothing is too big for her. If she comes to England to coach one of the best teams in a completely different environment, then she’s really being out of her comfort zoneKenza Dali on Sonia Bompastor Dali, whose senior club career includes Lyon stints from 2009-2010 and 2016 to 2018, said: “Sonia needs to be challenged and she loves new challenges. Nothing is too big for her.”If she comes to England to coach one of the best teams in a completely different environment, then she’s really being out of her comfort zone. Most read in Football”The French (style of football) management is completely different from the English management.”I know both sides, and I’m always surprised how different it is for a French coach to manage an English team.”But I think she will able to do it and if she’s going there (Chelsea) it’s going to be very interesting to see her out of the comfort zone.”Dali, born in the town of Sainte-Colombe, in eastern France, began her playing career in Lyon’s academy in 2005 before joining the club’s senior section in 2009.The midfielder, who has started in 37 top-flight games for Villa, had Bompastor as her academy coach at the age of 16. She describes the former left-back, who captained Lyon to Champions League titles in 2011 and 2012, as having the club’s will to win in her DNA. In two spells as Lyon’s head coach Bompastor has guided the team to seven major trophy wins. These include three top-flight crowns and a Champions League triumph.Dali, who played for West Ham and Everton from 2019 before her 2022 Villa move added: “Sonia was an unbelievable player and left-back, so competitive.”She was the academy coach and was one of my coaches when I was there when I was 16. “When I was training with her when I was still young, I remember how competitive she was.  She’s a coach who has the DNA of Lyon”You can see that if you watch Lyon’s (Champions League semi-final) win against Paris Saint-Germain. “On the bench, she was crazy because as a player, she was like that. “She just brings this competitiveness to the team and has a lot of big players to manage and not a lot of managers can do that.”Everything and every decision in Lyon is on purpose. “Having a coach that knows exactly what it takes to win, the politics at Lyon and how things are done is a strategy as well from the club.”Today’s clash will see Barcelona battle for Europe’s elite club football prize for the fourth time since 2019. While previous triumphs saw them thrash Chelsea 4-0 and beat Wolfsburg 3-2, the nine-time La Liga Women’s champs are yet to beat Lyon in a final.The French side have been a nemesis for their opponents with star striker Ada Hegerberg punishing their defence. The Norway star has scored four goals in two finals against Barca with Lyon clinching 4-1 and 3-1 victories in 2019 and 2022. Victory tomorrow would see them become Champions League top dogs for the ninth time.Dali, who today attended a WePlayStrong event in Bilbao as part of a Uefa campaign celebrating women’s football, added: “Everyone is talking a lot about Barcelona.”They are an unbelievable team, but Lyon have beaten them in a final recently and will want to make a point again.”In my head the only team that can beat Lyon today is maybe Barcelona. “But Lyon have a lot of quality and can really hurt Barcelona in the way they play.  “Sometimes Barcelona over possesses the ball, but Lyon can also be a team in possession. Dali reckons Lindsay Horan, Melchie Dumornay and Delphine Cascarino could be among biggest threats for Lyon against BarcelonaCredit: Getty”They can really hurt them with forwards like Melchie Dumornay and Delphine Cascarino.  “They also have some unbelievable players like Selma Bacha and Amel Majri.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s going to be a really interesting game.”Barcelona vs Lyon in the Women’s Champions League final can be watched live from 5:00pm today on DAZN’s YouTube channel. More

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      Emma Hayes calls out ‘worst’ ref decision ‘in Women’s Champions League history’ after Barcelona defeat Blues

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      EMMA HAYES blasted what she called the “worst decision in Women’s Champions League history” after Chelsea fell to a loss to Barcelona.Kadeisha Buchanan was given her marching orders in the second half of an intense battle with the Blues dispatched 2-1 on aggregate at Stamford Bridge.Emma Hayes and her players had their hopes of reaching the Champions League final ended by BarcelonaCredit: GettyLucy Bronze consoles her England team-mate and Chelsea captain Millie Bright following the final whistleCredit: GettyHayes criticised referee Iuliana Demetrescu following her second-half dismissal of Kadeisha BuchananCredit: GettyFridolina Rolfo’s spot-kick conversion clinched the win for Barca who were awarded a pen late onCredit: GettyThe second-leg defeat – watched by a record 39, 398-stromg crowd at the stadium led to the hosts being knocked out of the contest semis for the second year in a row by Spain’s top -flight leaders.It ended their dreams of lifting a Champions League trophy for the first and last time under Hayes, with the Blues chief taking over as United States’ women’s boss this year.It also saw hopes of a silverware double crushed with the WSL title remaining their only chance of a trophy following semis and final losses in the FA and Conti Cups.Buchanan was booked twice in four minutes by ref Iuliana Demetrescu.Read More Football StoriesFirst for a trip on Salma Paralluelo and then following challenge on Patri Guijarro with both players battling for possession.While the centre-back got the ball during the second incident, she was given her marching orders after Guijarro dropped to the turf clutching her foot.And she looked crestfallen as she headed straight down the tunnel after her 59th-minute second booking with her team-mates appeals dismissed by the ref.The sending off occurred after Barca had taken a first-half 1-0 following Aitana Bonmati’s strike deflecting into goal off Buchanan.Most read in FootballHayes said: “They had a strong first half, the deflected goal puts them in a good position.“But in the second half I felt we were just comiyng on top, and you could see the combination of the crowd and the players were driving us, the felt really confident.“So, when you get such a shocking refereeing decision, there’s nothing you can do about it.“It’s hard enough when you’ve got 11 but when you’ve got 10 it’s virtually impossible.”Of the foul that led to Buchanan’s dismissal, Hayes added: “Even the Barcelona players said the referee was helpful to them. I didn’t think it was a foul, let alone a yellow card.“When you lose a game, for us we didn’t feel we got the opportunity to lose it, that was taken away.“I was surprised when I saw her selected, she’s known for (giving) easy cards. That was probably the worst decision in UEFA Women’s Champions League history.Buchanan’s departure was followed by spot-kick drama with the visitors awarded a 74th-minute penalty.This occurred after Bonmati fell in the box after with a collision with Blues defenders Ashley Lawrence and Jess Carter.A VAR check upheld Demetrescu’s decision to award a pen netted by Fridolina Rolfo who sent keeper Hannah Hampton the wrong way before her bottom corner finish.Hayes, who had influential striker Mayra Ramirez absent, said: “I’m gutted for them [the players], we were robbed.“I genuinely believe we were on top of the game, we’d just hit the post, we could feel the momentum going in that direction, but we didn’t get the chance to experience that.All the talking is about that. Yes, we lost Mayra Ramirez after training, that didn’t help, but you need everything to go your way, two yellow cards, a deflection and a penalty, everything went their way.”At the game’s start the scene was set for what some Chelsea fans would have hoped would be a fairytale Stamford Bridge farewell to Hayes in her last appearance as Blues boss at the groundA record crowd of 39,398 flocked to watch the match – the largest ever for a women’s fixture at the ground let alone a Women’s Champions League battle.The opening 20 minutes saw the rivals vying for control of the ball  before Barcelona gained the upper hand in attack with Aitana Bonmati among their iggest threats.The Women’s Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring in the 25th minute with her angled shot following a Keira Walsh’s pass deflected into goal.But rather than let their heads drop Chelsea, who were without influential striker Mayra Ramirez, responded brightly.And they had some gilt-edged chances to level.The crowd roared when Melanie Leupolz struck the post from six yards out in the 31st minute.However, that effort would not have counted with Lauren James offside.And Catarina Macario forced a corner with her rifled effort forcing a parried save from Catalina Coll.Another huge chance went begging close to half-time with Nusken almost punishing a sloppy Barca back pass. She fed the ball to James who was somehow unable to slot home from close range.The second half saw Chelsea come out swinging in search of a leveller.But disaster struck when Buchanan was sent off.Hayes made a late roll of the dice sending on striker Aggie Beever-Jones for Leupolz. Aitana Bonmati broke the deadlock with her deflected first-half strikeCredit: GettyAnd a triple 84th-minute substitution saw Fran Kirby and Eve Perisset entering fray alongside skipper Millie Bright who played up top as a back-up striker.Chelsea appealed for a pen when Beever-Jones was brought down in the box late on. But a VAR check saw nothing award.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe visitors held out to claim the victory. A duel with Lyon or Paris-Saint Germain awaits them in the final in Bilbao, Spain in May. More

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      Emma Hayes warns Chelsea ‘must be perfect’ in Stamford Bridge battle with Barcelona for a Champions League final spot 

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      EMMA HAYES is in no mood to be nostalgic when she steps out on the pitch at Stamford Bridge for the last time as Chelsea boss today.Her focus and that of her players’ will be on one of the Blues’ biggest battles this term – a showdown with Barcelona for a Champions League final spot. Emma Hayes says Chelsea cannot afford to switch off for a second against Barcelona laterCredit: PAA win or draw for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge would see them reach the Women’s Champions League final for a second timeCredit: PAChelsea will face a stern test from Barcelona after beating them 1-0 in their Champions League semis first-leg duelCredit: PAFor the first time the team look set to perform in front of record crowd for a women’s game at Stamford Bridge.Last night the club confirmed all tickets had been sold for the game at the 40,343-capacity with around 5,000 shifted in a matter of hours.But for Hayes, who leaves Chelsea at the end of this season to take charge of the US national women’s team, it will be business as usual for the double trophy chasers.She said: “This is a game we want to be in. Read More Football Stories”Our team has huge experience at this level, it’s just another game for us. “Our players play for our badge, they play for their family, for each other, I’m part of that. I’m in a team, it’s not me, it’s us.“These players play at this football club to play in every game for Chelsea, not just the big ones.  “We attack the game exactly the same game we do every week and it’s just another game for us.Most read in FootballIn the past three years Barcelona have been a thorn in the side of Chelsea’s bid to lift a Champions League trophy for the first time in Hayes’ 14-year reign. A 2021 tournament decider between the rivals ended with Barca winning the contest for the first time in their history after an emphatic 4-0 victory.And they ended the Blues’ run last May at the semi-final stage with a slim 2-1 aggregate victory on their way to lifting the trophy for a second time.This year has seen the six-time WSL giants halt the winning run in Europe of a side unbeaten in Spain’s top tier this term after 24 games.Their 1-0 first-leg semis away victory has set the stage for this evening’s highly anticipated battle. One in which their opponents are likely to come out swinging.Hayes added: “There are a lot of permutations, but I can’t fixate on that. “We can prepare for some of the tactical details, but we have to prepare for our game too.“We’re not trying to be Barcelona, nobody is Barcelona, but that doesn’t mean you can’t win.“It just means that you have to play to your best strengths and recognise that no matter what Barcelona do, they will pull any team apart.“They are the best team in the world, I’ve said it a million times. They know how to be in this position.“No matter what they throw at us, whether that’s bringing a false nine, overloading the left-hand side, accessing the pivot or drawing us out of position “Barcelona can hurt you in so many different ways.“For us as a team, we have to be so, so mindful that you can’t switch off for one single second.”This is a game that is played in the head first and foremost and we know we have to be perfect to be able to progress.”A Chelsea victory at Stamford Bridge would be a new milestone for the WSL giants and would see them reach a Champions League decider for a second time in their history.Today’s showdown brought back memories for Hayes of far less glamourous challenges she and general manager Paul Green faced to get matches played in her early Chelsea days.Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge clash with Barcelona is a stark contrast to the early days of Hayes reign when they played their games at the 3,000-capacity Wheatsheaf Park in StainesCredit: GettyPlaying in front of a crowd of more than 40,000 at Stamford Bridge is light years away from clearing water off a rain-soaked pitch at Chelsea’s former Wheatsheaf Park home in Staines.A task Hayes remembers carrying out ahead of a game against Liverpool 10 years ago.She said: “I’m grateful I don’t have to go out with a roller anymore like (we did) when we were in Staines!”We’ve made progress, I don’t have to roll pitches anymore, we’ve got amazing grounds people.Hayes hopes Chelsea can continue to attract large crowds to the games they play at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty”We’ve come a long way since then. Stamford Bridge. Barcelona.”A Champions League semi-final. This is what it was all for. This is the stage the players deserve. This is where Chelsea should be.”READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve got plenty of time to reflect on my time at Chelsea, but that’s not now. My focus now is on preparing the team.”Chelsea vs Barcelona can be watched live on DAZN’s women’s football channel on YouTube at 5:30pm today. More

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      Barcelona 0 Chelsea 1: Spanish giants beaten at home for first time in FIVE YEARS in epic Women’s Champions League clash

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      ERIN CUTHBERT says Emma Hayes sometimes brings out the animal in her on the pitch.Today the Chelsea captain and the Blues roared their way to a 1-0 Champions League semis first-leg win beating Barcelona in their backyard – the Spanish giants’ first competitive home defeat for FIVE years.Erin Cuthbert fired her Chelsea side to victory in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-finalCredit: ReutersCuthbert curled a sweet strike into the top cornerCredit: ReutersA narrow but vital first-leg victory puts them a little bit closer to the chance of reaching the final for the second time in their history.And it is one that could potentially see them avenge their 2-1 semis loss on aggregate to the Catalan side last year and the 4-0 final trouncing they endured in 2021.Having lifted the Champions League trophy twice in the last three years, the Spanish league leaders were the favourites coming into this game played at the famous Lluis Companys Stadium.However, Hayes’ aces had other ideas. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was a nervy start with Caroline Graham Hansen firing a shot straight at Hannah Hampton in the eighth minute.But the visitors grew into the game.Chelsea had just one first-half shot on target against their hosts who dominated possession early on.They made it count in the 40th minute, though.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERCuthbert shimmied on the edge of the area then fired in a stunning top-corner finish after Sjoeke Nusken outsmarted markers to deliver.There were a few moments of penalty drama in the second half.Watch fuming Pochettino shout at journalist as press conference descends into chaos after Chelsea’s win over EvertonFirst through Barcelona seeing a penalty kick ruled out following the ball striking Kadeisha Buchanan’s arm because Salma Paralluelo was offside.Then when Mayra Ramirez, who was a menace against Barca’s defence, got kicked by Irene Paredes in the box.The Colombian striker had a glorious chance to double Chelsea’s lead with 16 minutes of normal time left before blazing over after being closely tracked in the box.And Paraluello volleyed wide from six yards in the 86th minute before Alexia Putellas fired off target at close range in injury time with the Blues clinching a monumental win.Barcelona were unbeaten at home for five yearsCredit: AFPChelsea had to settle for being dominated in possessionCredit: GettyBarcelona’s penalty was overturned due to an offsideCredit: EPAChelsea will take a slender advantage back to Stamford BridgeCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Each game matters so much’, says Kadeisha Buchanan ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League battle with Barcelona

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      LIFTING a Women’s Champions League trophy in Chelsea’s famous blue shirt would be Kadeisha Buchanan’s “all moment”.The Canada centre-back, 28, has had plenty of experience of winning the top club prize for Europe’s elite women’s football sides.Kadeisha Buchanan and Chelsea will take on Barcelona away in the first leg of their Champions League semi-finalCredit: GettyThe WSL leaders hope to reach the contest’s final for a second time under manager Emma HayesCredit: EPABuchanan hopes to go all the way in the Champions League with Chelsea just as she did with former club LyonCredit: GettyWith French giants Lyon, whom she left two years ago in June for the Blues, Buchanan has triumphed in the competition on five separate occasions.Her old side currently hold the record for the most trophy wins in the tournament’s 23-year history, having won it eight times previously.The highly coveted prize remains the only major honour to elude Chelsea who, under boss Emma Hayes, have won more WSL titles than any English side.Buchanan, who netted in the Blues’ 3-0 Wednesday night defeat of Aston Villa, said: “That’s what I came here for. Read More Football Stories”To win a Champions League in the blue shirt. That would be my ‘all’ moment.”It’s exciting but you have to take it one game at a time.”I think we’re doing a great job doing that, just focusing on each game and each game being like a championship because at the end of the day it is.”Each game matters so much and you just focus on one step at a time.Most read in FootballWith an FA Cup semis loss to Manchester United ending Chelsea dreams of a silverware triple this term, hopes of a double rest with their Champions League and WSL title hunt.Today Buchanan and her team-mates will begin the formidable task of attempting to knock out two-time winners Barcelona over two legs in this year’s semis.The Catalan juggernauts – unbeaten in Spain’s top tier with 22 wins in 23 games and 102 goals – have been a nemesis for the English league leaders in recent years.The team defeated Hayes’s side 4-0 in their first Champions League final foray three years ago.However, their last four knockout of Chelsea last April was a much tighter affair scoreline-wise.A 2-1 win on aggregate sealed their progress to a June final where they battled from 2-0 down to beat Wolfsburg 3-2.The second half of this season, and Hayes’s last before her reign as USA Women’s boss starts, has seen Chelsea battle for silverware with some key players absent.Long-term injuries have sidelined strikers Sam Kerr and Mia Fischel with both recovering from anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.But  team have been given a fitness boost with Hayes confirming Lauren James and centre-back and skipper Millie Bright as available for selection. Forward James, currently second highest goal scorer in the WSL this term, missed her team’s win against Villa on Wednesday due to injury. And Bright returned to training following a five-month absence with a knee concern. Buchanan believes the depth and calibre of Chelsea’s squad will be key to their push for trophies, including a seventh WSL title, in the final weeks of the season.The defender, who has made 14 WSL and European appearances this term, added: “We always have that confidence and belief that whoever is out on the field is well capable of getting the job done.Chelsea have been boosted by captain Millie Bright’s return to training ahead of their clash with BarcelonaCredit: Getty”Even if they didn’t play three, four games or even if they didn’t start five or 10 games, when they’re out on the field, you trust them to get the job done.”I feel that as for myself as well, if you don’t always start, that doesn’t matter. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You can still just go play football and get the job done just like any other player.”Barcelona vs Chelsea will be streamed live on DAZN’s Women’s Champions League channel on YouTube at 12:30pm More