Women’s Champions League champions Barcelona have been the dominant force in the competition over recent years, but they are beginning to show signs of vulnerability as they prepare to face Chelsea in the semi-finals for the third year running.
Having claimed the trophy in three of the past four seasons, Barcelona are eager to extend their successful reign when they host Chelsea on Sunday in the first leg of their semi-final clash.
However, under the management of Pere Romeu, the team is not quite the formidable entity it used to be under his predecessor Jonatan Giraldez, while Chelsea have made significant strides forward under former Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor.
Barcelona narrowly defeated the Blues 2-1 on aggregate in each of the previous two seasons at this stage, but this year, Chelsea are optimistic about turning the tables.
While Barcelona still boasts a plethora of talent, including two-time Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, they have also seen the departure of several key players.
Chelsea’s England internationals Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh will be up against their former club, while Mariona Caldentey has made the move to Arsenal, who are set to face Lyon in the other semi-final.
Caroline Graham Hansen was widely regarded as one of the best players in the world last season, even as her teammate Bonmati received the Ballon d’Or.
The Norwegian winger remains a dangerous asset on the right, although her form has seen a slight dip, a situation echoed by several other players.
After recovering from a significant knee injury, Putellas has struggled to find her rhythm, yet she is still capable of producing remarkable moments, much like Fridolina Rolfo.
Emerging talents such as Vicky Lopez and Sydney Schertenleib are showing promise and beginning to find their place in the squad but have yet to solidify their roles as key contributors.
The success Barcelona has enjoyed may also play a part – it’s challenging to maintain the same level of desire when you’re already overflowing with silverware.
Meanwhile, the competition within Spain and across Europe is steadily improving.
Barcelona suffered their first-ever defeat to rivals Real Madrid in March, marking their second loss in the league, and they were also outplayed by Manchester City earlier in the Champions League.
Nevertheless, with the talent they possess, Barcelona could still secure every trophy they are vying for this season.
“This team knows how to perform in knockout matches and at the highest level,” said Barca coach Romeu.
“We’ve faced Chelsea in similar situations over the years, and the contests have been fiercely contested.”
‘The gap is narrowing’
Barcelona have claimed the Spanish Super Cup, reached the Copa de la Reina final, and are currently leading Liga F.
Impressive victories over Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid highlight that the Catalans remain the team to beat.
“Our aim is to win everything; you know that, and we’re still in all competitions,” Barcelona midfielder Patri Guijarro told Mundo Deportivo.
“Why can’t we achieve it again? That’s our goal.”
Chelsea are aiming for a quadruple of their own this season, though they will be without the services of Lauren James for their trip to the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Last season, the Blues managed a 1-0 victory over Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium courtesy of Erin Cuthbert’s goal, but a 2-0 defeat at home dashed their hopes of clinching the trophy for the first time.
“The gap is narrowing, and it’s a two-legged tie, which means anything can happen,” Cuthbert warned.
“Historically, they’ve been the best for many years… facing the top teams is the ultimate challenge.“
Barcelona, three-time champions, still aspire to match Lyon’s impressive record of eight titles.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
